Poaching Not Likely Cause of Javan Rhino Death in Ujung Kulon

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The cause of a Javan rhino`s death at the Ujung Kulon National Park is said to be from reasons other than poaching.

This was revealed by the Environment and Forestry Ministry’s Director General of natural resources and ecosystem Wiratno.

Available clues that support this suspicion is that the “Manggala” the rhino was found dead with its trunk intact and the area’s strong patrol that makes it nearly impossible for poachers to hunt the endangered animal.

“I can argue that Ujung Kulon is safe and stable. The patrol there is impeccable,” said Wiratno to journalists in Jakarta on Monday. “He was a young male, his trunk was not fully developed yet.”

Read also: Javan Rhino Found Dead in Ujung Kulon

However, the rhino’s young age is what perplexed many on figuring out what caused its death considering several areas of its body excreted blood when Manggala was found by the Rhino Health Unit SPTN II at the area of Citadahan forest on March 21.

“There were scars but will are currently checking it,” said Wiratno.

Samples have been taken from Manggala’s remains and are taken to the Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB) veterinary faculty lab for further analysis, which Wiratno said will take at least 2-3 weeks before a conclusion can be made.

The population of Javan rhinos is further reduced to 68 according to the ministry’s last report.

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