Although the Javan rhinoceros’ habitat was once protected in Vietnam, it has now lost most of its forest habitat due to habitat loss, degredation, agricultural purposes, and other human activities.
Although the Javan rhinoceros’ habitat was once protected in Vietnam, it has now lost most of its forest habitat over the last century due to habitat loss and degredation. Many people in the Javan rhinoceros’ homelands, especially in Vietnam, have cleared the lands for agricultural purposes.
While the remaining Javan rhinos live within the Udung Kulon National Park, surrounding forests are still under pressure from human activities.
The World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) is supporting efforts to enhance the rhino’s existing habitat by reducing human encroachment and competition for food with banteng (endangered wild cattle). It urges consumers to use and support sustainable wood, paper, and palm oil by purchasing certified sustainable products. FSC-certified forest products, retailers, traders, and manufacturers can help protect the Javan rhinoceros’ habitat and consumers can play their part by demanding certified products.
• Image | © J. Wolf, Public Domain
• Sources | (IRF, 2011; van Strien, et al., 2008; Waters, 2000; WWF, 2015)
