The proposed translocation of the Javan rhinoceros Rhinoceros sondaicus

Abstract

Ujung Kulon is the last stronghold of the Javan rhinoceros, with a population estimated to be 54. None survive outside, even in zoos. The sudden death in 1982 of five animals, perhaps as a result of an epidemic disease, underlined the vulnerability of these rhinos. Among the measures proposed to safeguard the animals from early extinction was the translocation of a nucleus of breeding individuals from Ujung Kulon to the Pulau Panaitan nearby or the Way Kambas Game Reserve in Sumatra. In principle, the translocation of Javan rhinos into Way Kambas is justifiable in that the animal lived there a few decades ago, and despite indiscriminate logging in the past, appropriate habitats still exist there. However, the main concern is over the present inadequate anti-poaching measures and the easy accessibility of the reserve to poachers. Way Kambas is also situated in one of the most densely populated provinces of Sumatra. The rhinos in Ujung Kulon represent a highly inbred population and are therefore vulnerable to the effects of inbreeding depression and other stochastic processes. We suggest that there is a strong case for translocating a proportion of the Javan rhinos from Ujung Kulon when their numbers have increased to about 80 individuals, and when such expertise becomes available to carry out the translocation in safety. As a first stage, captive, free-range breeding of a few individuals in the Pulau Panaitan within the Ujung Kulon National Park complex is recommended. We are not convinced that the available security in Way Kambas Game Reserve in Sumatra is sufficient to guarantee the survival of the Javan rhinos.