Quick answer
IUCN status: Critically EndangeredJavan rhinoceros at a glance
The Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) is a mammal in the family Rhinocerotidae. Range in Indonesia: Ujung Kulon National Park, Banten. It is endemic to Indonesia, living naturally only in Now only the Ujung Kulon Peninsula, Banten (western tip of Java); formerly also mainland Southeast Asia and Sumatra. Diet: leaves, shoots, and forest vegetation; a herbivore. IUCN Red List status: Critically Endangered. It is a legally protected species in Indonesia (Regulation P.106/2018).
| Scientific name | Rhinoceros sondaicus |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Badak Jawa |
| Group | Mammals |
| Family | Rhinocerotidae |
| Range in Indonesia | Ujung Kulon National Park, Banten |
| Linked habitats | Tropical Rainforests |
| Diet | Leaves, shoots, and forest vegetation |
| Wild range | One national park in Java |
| Horn | One; females may lack a prominent horn |
| IUCN status | Critically Endangered · International Rhino Foundation — Javan rhino |
| Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected · Regulation P.106/2018 · annex no. 112 |
| Population estimate | About 50 individuals, only in Indonesia · International Rhino Foundation — Javan rhino |
| Poaching | Poaching groups confessed to killing 26 rhinos in Ujung Kulon National Park in 2019–2023 · International Rhino Foundation — Javan rhino |
| Body weight | 900–2,300 kg; 1.5–1.7 m at the shoulder · International Rhino Foundation — Javan rhino |
| Diet type | Herbivore (plant-eater) — browser: mainly leaves, shoots and young twigs · rhinos.org |
| Reproduction | Giving birth to live young (viviparous) · Animal Diversity Web |
| Observance days | World Rhino Day (22 September) |
| Endemic to Indonesia | Yes — Now only the Ujung Kulon Peninsula, Banten (western tip of Java); formerly also mainland Southeast Asia and Sumatra · IUCN Red List |
In this guide (12)
Distinct from the Sumatran rhino
The Javan rhino is Rhinoceros sondaicus, distinct from the two-horned Sumatran rhino. Its folded skin resembles plates, and males have one small horn. Keeping the species separate matters because their habitats, conservation programmes, and population information cannot be used interchangeably.
One location concentrates risk
The one surviving wild population lives in Ujung Kulon. A major disturbance in one area can therefore affect the entire species. Risks include poaching, natural disasters, and limited genetic diversity. Protected-area size alone is insufficient; habitat quality and effective protection also determine the population’s prospects.
Food and habitat quality
Javan rhinos browse forest vegetation. Habitat management in Ujung Kulon has reduced dense Arenga palm growth to make space for food plants. This illustrates why a forest that looks lush does not necessarily provide suitable food. Vegetation management requires specialists and monitoring, not clearing by visitors.
Evidence: International Rhino Foundation — Arenga palm and rhino habitat ↗
Why population figures need context
Javan rhino reports change as camera-trap information and investigations become available. The International Rhino Foundation species account describes poaching investigations covering events in 2019–2023. Avoid repeating an old figure without its year, method, and revision context. This page deliberately avoids a population counter that would imply the number is known live each day.
Evidence: International Rhino Foundation — State of the Rhino 2024 ↗ · International Rhino Foundation — Javan rhino ↗
Protecting sensitive information
Scientific information can support conservation, but detailed locations of rare animals can also be misused. Share general learning resources rather than coordinates, recent movement routes, or camera locations. This guide omits precise sighting maps to avoid adding risk to an exceptionally restricted population.
Support that can be examined
Look for programmes that explain support for area protection, monitoring, and habitat improvement, with activity reporting. Never buy horns or products claimed to come from rhinos. For suspected trade, use appropriate reporting routes without test purchases or a private investigation. No visitor sighting can substitute for consistent protection.
Evidence: International Rhino Foundation — Arenga palm and rhino habitat ↗ · International Rhino Foundation — State of the Rhino 2024 ↗
Explore related habitats
These habitat relationships are supported by species sources in this guide. This is not a complete range map.
Scientific classification of the Javan rhinoceros
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Perissodactyla |
| Family | Rhinocerotidae |
| Genus | Rhinoceros |
| Species | Rhinoceros sondaicus |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the Javan rhinoceros
What is the scientific name of the Javan rhinoceros?
The scientific name of the Javan rhinoceros is Rhinoceros sondaicus, in the family Rhinocerotidae. In Indonesian it is called Badak Jawa.
What kind of animal is the Javan rhinoceros?
The Javan rhinoceros is a mammal in the family Rhinocerotidae. By diet it is a herbivore (plant-eater): a browser: mainly leaves, shoots and young twigs. It is also endemic to Indonesia.
Where does the Javan rhinoceros live in Indonesia?
In Indonesia, this guide records the Javan rhinoceros in: Ujung Kulon National Park, Banten.
The Javan rhinoceros is endemic to Indonesia and lives naturally only in Now only the Ujung Kulon Peninsula, Banten (western tip of Java); formerly also mainland Southeast Asia and Sumatra. Source: IUCN Red List.
Source-supported habitats: Tropical Rainforests.
What does the Javan rhinoceros eat?
Diet of the Javan rhinoceros: leaves, shoots, and forest vegetation. That makes it a herbivore (plant-eater). Source: rhinos.org.
How does the Javan rhinoceros reproduce?
The Javan rhinoceros reproduces by giving birth to live young (viviparous). Source: Animal Diversity Web.
What are the main features of the Javan rhinoceros?
Key features of the Javan rhinoceros, from this guide’s sources: Body weight: 900–2,300 kg; 1.5–1.7 m at the shoulder.
How big is the Javan rhinoceros?
Body weight: 900–2,300 kg; 1.5–1.7 m at the shoulder. Source: International Rhino Foundation — Javan rhino.
How large is the population of the Javan rhinoceros?
About 50 individuals, only in Indonesia. Source: International Rhino Foundation — Javan rhino. Wild population figures are estimates and can differ between surveys.
What is the scientific classification of the Javan rhinoceros?
Scientific classification of the Javan rhinoceros: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Perissodactyla, family Rhinocerotidae, genus Rhinoceros, species Rhinoceros sondaicus.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the Javan rhinoceros endangered?
Yes. The global conservation status of the Javan rhinoceros: Critically Endangered. In the IUCN system, this category means it is considered to face an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. Source: International Rhino Foundation — Javan rhino.
This global category is separate from national legal protection. Is the Javan rhinoceros protected in Indonesia?
Is the Javan rhinoceros protected in Indonesia?
Yes. The Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) is a protected species in Indonesia under Environment and Forestry Ministerial Regulation No. P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 on protected plant and animal species (annex, entry 112).
Article 21(2) of Law No. 5 of 1990, as amended by Law No. 32 of 2024, prohibits anyone from hunting, catching, injuring, killing, storing, owning, keeping, transporting or trading a protected animal, alive or dead, including its body parts, eggs and nests.
If you see this animal being traded, kept or injured, contact the local BKSDA office.
Can the Javan rhinoceros be kept as a pet?
No. Because the Javan rhinoceros is a protected species, catching, owning, keeping, transporting or trading it without a permit is prohibited by law. Trading without a permit through electronic media is also prohibited.
If you see this animal for sale or being kept, report it to the local BKSDA office.
Compare with similar animals
Sources & references
- International Rhino Foundation — Javan rhino ↗
- International Rhino Foundation — Arenga palm and rhino habitat ↗
- International Rhino Foundation — State of the Rhino 2024 ↗
- Peraturan Menteri LHK Nomor P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi ↗
- Animal Diversity Web ↗
- IUCN Red List ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
National parks where it is recorded
According to the official national park profiles from the KSDAE directorate. The animal may also live elsewhere.
Related causes and news
Help from outside Indonesia
If you live outside Indonesia, you can help protect rhinos with World Animal Rescue Network.
Related site: PanduanHewan’s founder is also a director of World Animal Rescue Network. PanduanHewan itself does not accept donations, and this invitation is not directed at people in Indonesia.
Further reading
Javan rhino: facts, threats and conservation ↗ — World Animal Rescue Network.
Related site: PanduanHewan’s founder is also a director of World Animal Rescue Network.
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus). Last substantive update: 7 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/javan-rhino/