The Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) is one of the most critically endangered large mammals on Earth. With fewer than 80 individuals remaining, all of which reside within the dense tropical rainforests of Ujung Kulon National Park, the survival of this prehistoric species hinges on strict habitat protection and active community vigilance.

The Threat Landscape

Unlike other rhinoceros species plagued by rampant poaching, the Javan rhino faces a unique cocktail of ecological vulnerabilities. Encroachment, disease transmission from feral livestock, invasive plant species like the Arenga palm (which crowds out the rhino’s preferred forage plants), and the looming threat of natural disasters (specifically eruptions from nearby Anak Krakatau) make their localized existence extremely precarious.

“The preservation of Ujung Kulon is not just about a single species; it is about protecting an entire ecosystem that has remained unchanged for millennia.”

Sali Ujung Kulon’s Intervention

Our team works closely with local park authorities and community guards to run anti-poaching patrols, remove invasive plant species, and establish buffer zones. By hiring and training local villagers as forest rangers, we create a double benefit: robust conservation enforcement and sustainable livelihoods for communities surrounding the national park boundaries.