With such a small population of Javan rhinoceros left, the species’ survival is threatened by low genetic diversity, the likelihood of inbreeding, and the potential of natural disasters.
With such a small population of Javan rhinoceros left in the world, the prospects for the survival of the species are not good.
Although the land on which the Javan rhino lives is currently protected as Ujung Kulon National Park, there is pressure to use the land for agricultural purposes. Surrounding forests are still under pressure from human activities.
In addition, it is not known how many of the rhinos are females. If there are few females left, their death could mean the end of the species.
Also, with so few animals, there is low genetic diversity and the likelihood of inbreeding is great. Inbreeding is known to increase the likelihood of birth defect or disease.
Lastly, should an environmental catastrophe or natural disaster, such as a forest fire, volcano, earthquake, or disease affect the population, dire consequences could result.
• Image | © Ikhlasul Amal, Some Rights Reserved (CC BY-NC 2.0)
• Sources | (IRF, 2011; van Strien, et al., 2008; Waters, 2000; WWF, 2015)
