Jakarta (ANTARA) \u2013 Indonesia is home to two surviving rhino species:\nthe Sumatran rhino (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) and the Javan rhino\n(Rhinoceros sondaicus). Both are rare animals facing the threat of\nextinction, but they differ in body shape, number of horns, skin\ncharacteristics and habitat range.<\/p>\n
The most readily identifiable difference is the number of horns. The\nSumatran rhino has two, while the Javan rhino generally has only one.\nThe Sumatran rhino is also known for its thicker coat, whereas the Javan\nrhino has grey skin with folds resembling protective armour.<\/p>\n
Both species play an important role in maintaining the balance of\nforest ecosystems. However, their extremely small populations make\nprotection and conservation efforts increasingly important.<\/p>\n
So, what are the differences between Sumatran and Javan rhinos? Here\nare some of the characteristics to know.<\/p>\n
The most striking difference between the two species is the number of\nhorns on the front of the head.<\/p>\n
The Sumatran rhino is the only Asian rhino species with two horns.\nIts front horn is usually longer, while the rear horn is shorter and\nsometimes appears only as a small stub.<\/p>\n
The Javan rhino, by contrast, generally has just one horn at the\nfront of its head. It is usually relatively short. In female Javan\nrhinos, the horn is often very small or not visible at all.<\/p>\n
Rhino horns are made of keratin, the protein that also forms human\nhair and nails. They are therefore not bones, as some people might\nimagine.<\/p>\n
The Sumatran rhino is known as the smallest of the world\u2019s five\nsurviving rhino species. It stands about 1 to 1.5 metres at the shoulder\nand generally weighs between 600 and 950 kilograms.<\/p>\n
The Javan rhino has a larger body. Its shoulder height can reach\nabout 1.4 to 1.7 metres, while its weight is estimated at between 900\nand 2,300 kilograms.<\/p>\n
These measurements can vary according to the individual, sex and\nphysical condition. In general, however, the Javan rhino is larger than\nthe Sumatran rhino.<\/p>\n
The condition of their skin and coats provides another way to\ndistinguish the two animals.<\/p>\n
The Sumatran rhino has coarse, reddish-brown hair that is quite\nvisible, particularly in young animals. As it ages, its hair tends to\nbecome sparser, coarser and darker.<\/p>\n
This characteristic has led to the Sumatran rhino often being called\nthe \u2018hairy rhinoceros\u2019.<\/p>\n
By contrast, an adult Javan rhino has almost no visible hair on its\nbody. Its skin ranges from grey to greyish-brown, with folds that give\nit the appearance of an animal wearing protective armour.<\/p>\n
The folds are particularly visible around the neck and shoulders,\nalthough they are less pronounced than those of the Indian rhino.<\/p>\n
The shape of the head and lips also distinguishes the two rhino\nspecies.<\/p>\n
The Sumatran rhino has a relatively small head and a muzzle suited to\nreaching different kinds of plants in the forest. The Javan rhino,\nmeanwhile, has a long, pointed upper lip resembling a finger.<\/p>\n
This lip helps the Javan rhino grasp and pull leaves, shoots and\nyoung branches, which make up its diet.<\/p>\n
Both species are herbivores and tend to forage in densely vegetated\nforest areas.<\/p>\n
Another difference is where the two species survive today.<\/p>\n
The Sumatran rhino persists in several forest areas on the Indonesian\nislands of Sumatra and Kalimantan. It favours dense tropical forests,\nincluding lowland and mountain areas.<\/p>\n
The Javan rhino, by contrast, is now found only in Ujung Kulon\nNational Park in Banten. Its entire natural population is concentrated\nin this one area, making the species highly vulnerable to threats that\ncould affect its habitat.<\/p>\n
According to the IUCN SSC Asian Rhino Specialist Group, both species\nare classified as Critically Endangered. Sumatran rhino populations are\nspread across small, isolated groups, while the Javan rhino faces a\nmajor risk because it has only one natural population.<\/p>\n
Protecting habitat and monitoring illegal hunting are therefore\nimportant parts of conservation efforts for both species.<\/p>\n
Sumatran and Javan rhinos both tend to live alone, except when mating\nor when a mother is caring for her young. Both also like to wallow,\nwhich helps maintain the condition of their skin and bodies.<\/p>\n
The Sumatran rhino is known to be more vocal, making a range of\nsounds such as whistles and groans. These sounds are thought to help\nanimals communicate when living far apart in dense forest.<\/p>\n
The Javan rhino, meanwhile, is exceptionally difficult to observe\ndirectly. Research into its behaviour and population relies heavily on\ncamera traps, tracks and indirect observation in its natural\nhabitat.<\/p>\n
Both species have long gestation periods, estimated at around 15 to\n16 months, and generally give birth to one calf at a time. Their slow\nreproductive cycle means population recovery takes a long time,\nespecially when so few individuals remain.<\/p>\n
Despite their differences, the Sumatran and Javan rhinos face the\nsame problem: the threat of extinction.<\/p>\n
The Sumatran rhino faces habitat loss, illegal hunting and the\ndifficulty of individuals finding mates because its population is\nfragmented.<\/p>\n
The Javan rhino, on the other hand, is at great risk because its\nentire natural population lives in a single area. Major disruptions,\nsuch as an outbreak of disease or a natural disaster, could affect the\nsurvival of the whole species.<\/p>\n
Conserving both animals requires habitat protection, anti-poaching\npatrols, population monitoring and ongoing research. Public support is\nalso needed, including by avoiding products derived from protected\nanimals and supporting reputable conservation organisations.<\/p>\n
The Sumatran and Javan rhinos are irreplaceable parts of Indonesia\u2019s\nnatural heritage. Learning how they differ not only increases knowledge\nof wildlife, but also helps raise awareness of the importance of\npreserving forests and protecting endangered species.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/what-is-the-difference-between-sumatran-and-javan-rhinos-learn-their-characteristics-1791795321", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }