Javan Rhinoceros

Scientific Name and Origin

Rhinoceros sondaicus

Rhinoceros: Greek rhino, meaning “nose” and ceros, meaning “horn”

Sondaicus: Probably referring to the Sunda islands in Indonesia (Latin—icus indicates a locality). “Sunda” means “Java”.

 

Common Names

Javan rhinoceros

Asian lesser one-horned rhinoceros: In contrast to the greater one-horned rhino because of the single, comparatively smaller horn.

 

Distribution and Habitat

Indonesia (extinct in Vietnam as of 2010)

Lowland tropical rainforests

 

Size

900 to 1,400 kg (2,000 to 3,000 lb)

1.5 to 1.7 m (5 to 5.5 ft) tall at shoulder

Single horn 25 cm (10 in) long

 

Physical Description

Gray, hairless; lesser, but still apparent, armor plating

One horn

 

Life History Characteristics

Mostly a browser but some grazing

Generally solitary except for mothers and young or mating pairs

Females sexually mature at three to four years of age; males at six years

Gestation period approximately 16 months; interbirth interval of four to five years