Javan Rhino Conservation Planning

Mandate

To provide strategic oversight and technical guidance for the conservation of the Javan rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus), the rarest large mammal on earth. With the entire wild population confined to Ujung Kulon National Park on the western tip of Java, the sub-committee’s mandate encompasses single-site population management, threat mitigation, and the critical long-term goal of establishing a second viable population to reduce the species’ vulnerability to a single catastrophic event.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and review the AsRSG Javan rhino conservation strategy, with a focus on population security and range expansion.
• Advise on the management of Ujung Kulon National Park as the sole habitat for the species, including carrying capacity assessments and vegetation management.
• Lead the strategic planning process for establishing a second Javan rhino population at a suitable site in Java.
• Liaise with Kementerian Kehutanan (Indonesia Ministry of Forestry) and Taman Nasional Ujung Kulon on all aspects of Javan rhino management.
• Commission and review camera trap monitoring, population surveys and habitat assessments.
• Assess and advise on tsunami and volcanic eruption risk to the Ujung Kulon population, given the proximity of Anak Krakatau.
• Explore the feasibility of managed care and conservation breeding insurance measures, in partnership with the Conservation Breeding & Assisted Reproduction sub-committee.
• Support the Red List Authority in preparing IUCN assessments.

Relationship to leadership

The sub-committee reports to the AsRSG Leadership Team, with Christy Williams and Kurnia Khairani serving as joint Leadership Focal Points. Given the single-site nature of the Javan rhino population, this sub-committee maintains the closest working relationship with the Ujung Kulon National Park management authority of any AsRSG body.