Enviro News Asia, Jakarta — A new Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) calf has been recorded by a camera trap in Ujung Kulon National Park, offering fresh hope for the conservation of one of the world’s rarest mammals.
The calf was captured on camera on October 10, 2026, while wallowing with its mother, identified as Desy, according to the Ministry of Forestry. Based on analysis by the park’s Javan Rhino Monitoring Team, this is the third calf born to Desy and a male rhino believed to be Musofa.
Desy is considered one of the most productive female rhinos in the Ujung Kulon Peninsula. Over the past 13 years, she has given birth to five calves: Arjuna in 2013, Arum in 2015, Hawa in 2018, Syauki in 2024, and the latest calf recorded on October 10, 2026.
The latest birth is seen as evidence that Ujung Kulon continues to provide suitable habitat for the species and that intensive protection efforts are producing positive results.
“Alhamdulillah, this is a blessing and a great source of hope for the survival of the Javan rhinoceros, the rarest species in the world, which is found only in Indonesia,” said Mahfudz, Acting Director General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation.
The birth also demonstrates that efforts to secure the area through intensive patrols by the Ujung Kulon Rhino Protection Unit (UKP) and habitat protection against disturbances have helped create safer conditions for the animals to reproduce naturally.
“This is not only a source of happiness for Ujung Kulon National Park, but also for Indonesia and the world. We are committed to further strengthening protection, including through habitat rationalization efforts under the Javan Rhino Study and Conservation Area (JRSCA),” Mahfudz added.
Ujung Kulon National Park Head Ardi Andono said the calf was first identified in camera-trap footage recorded at 9:35 p.m. Western Indonesia Time (WIB) on October 10, 2026. The footage showed that the calf appeared healthy, was active, and followed its mother. Its estimated age was around one to two months.
He added that Desy was also observed to be in very good condition and had experience caring for her offspring.
“Our team will continue intensive monitoring around the location to ensure that the mother and calf remain safe without being disturbed. We also extend our appreciation to all UKP teams and partners who have worked tirelessly to protect the area,” Ardi said.
The Ministry of Forestry has urged the public to help protect the Javan rhinoceros by refraining from illegal activities within the national park and supporting conservation efforts. (*)
