Javanese rhino found dead

JAKARTA (JP): A Javan rhinoceros, a rare protected species of which a mere 50 are thought to exist, was found dead on Tuesday in Ujung Kulon National Park, West Java.

Director for Regional Conservation of the Ministry of Forestry and Plantation Widodo S. Ramono said it was found dead by a joint team from the World Wildlife Fund and the park.

"But the death of the animal was thought to have been of natural causes," Widodo was quoted by Antara as saying on Friday.

Based on the evidence, he said the death was caused by aging. He rejected suggestions that it was killed by a hunter.

He said the rhinoceros' horn was still there and its teeth showed that the animal was old.

"There was no sign that the animal was killed," Widodo contended.

Since 1976, at least six rhinoceroses have been found dead by natural causes.

In 1974, a Javan rhinoceros was found dead with its horn missing. In 1984, a local resident was found in possession of the animal's horn.

Many people believe that rhinoceros horn can bring sexual prowess.

Besides Indonesia, Vietnam is also believed to have about 5 Javan Rhinoceroses. (jun)