JAKARTA (Reuters) – Javan rhinos, one of the world’s most endangered species, have a new family member – a female calf believed to have been born in February, Indonesia’s environment ministry said.
The calf was seen near her 12-year-old mother in Ujung Kulon National Park, a conservation area on the western tip of Java island, footage from the ministry showed.
There are just 81 Javan rhinos, including the calf, left and all are located in the park.
“The birth is a success for Indonesia in its efforts to conserve Javan rhinos,” said Satyawan Pudyatmoko, a senior environment ministry official.
Javan rhinos, which are distinguished by their single horn, were once found throughout northeast India and Southeast Asia. Today, they are among the most threatened of the five rhino species, mainly due to poaching.
The mother, Kasih, has had three other children; Duba, Wira and Sekar. There was no mention of a name as yet for the new calf.
Last month, a Sumatran rhino – also highly endangered – was born in a sanctuary on Sumatra island.
(Reporting by Heru Asprihanto; Writing by Stanley Widianto; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)
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