Javanese Rhino Bacuya Introduced as Mascot of FIFA U-20 World Cup
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20 September 2022 09:46 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A Javanese rhinoceros called Bacuya is introduced as the official mascot of the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2023 on Sunday, September 18, 2022. Short for Badak Cula Cahaya, Bacuya is the typical Indonesian one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus).
As quoted from the Youth and Tourism Ministry’s page kemenpora.go.id, the mascot dons a red and white Indonesian football team jersey. It is expected to play a vital role in encouraging people to visit the stadium for the competition.
It is said that the Javan rhino is a shy and quiet animal. However, its high curiosity brings them to the field. Its multicolored horn glows when playing football with others.
This large animal is known to be on the verge of extinction. Only 50 to 60 Javan rhinos exist in Indonesia.
Daryan, the expert staff of the Rhino Protecting Unit at Ujung Kulon National Park, said on rimbakita.com that a one-horned rhino had been found living in Tasikmalaya in 1937. But, this species only exists in Ujung Kulon National Park, Banten.
The Javan rhino generally lives in a tropical forest, above 3,000 meters above sea level, with abundant water sources. Its existence is also strongly influenced by the presence of food.
On the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List in 2008, the one-horned rhino is at critically endangered status as there are only around 46 to 66 individuals.
It had also been found in India, Myanmar, and Vietnam. Now, its population is only in Indonesia. Since 1931, Indonesia declared the Javanese rhinoceros a protected animal.
ANNISA FIRDAUSI
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