Javan Rhino vs. Sumatran Rhino

Attribute	Javan Rhino	Sumatran Rhino
Scientific Name	Rhinoceros sondaicus	Dicerorhinus sumatrensis
Location	Java, Indonesia	Sumatra, Indonesia
Population	Less than 70 individuals	Less than 80 individuals
Size	Smaller and lighter	Larger and heavier
Habitat	Tropical rainforests and swamps	Tropical and subtropical forests

Physical Characteristics

The Javan Rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus) and the Sumatran Rhino (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) are two of the most endangered rhinoceros species in the world. The Javan Rhino is slightly larger than the Sumatran Rhino, with males weighing between 1,500 and 2,300 kg, while the Sumatran Rhino males weigh between 700 and 1,000 kg. Both species have two horns, with the Javan Rhino's front horn being longer than the Sumatran Rhino's. The Javan Rhino has a single horn that can grow up to 25 cm, while the Sumatran Rhino has two horns, with the front horn reaching up to 25 cm and the rear horn being much smaller.

Habitat

The Javan Rhino is found in the Ujung Kulon National Park in Java, Indonesia, while the Sumatran Rhino is found in the dense rainforests of Sumatra and Borneo. The Javan Rhino prefers lowland rainforests and grasslands near rivers, while the Sumatran Rhino can be found in a variety of habitats, including montane forests, swamps, and grasslands. Both species are solitary animals and are known to be shy and elusive, making them difficult to spot in the wild.

Diet

Both the Javan Rhino and the Sumatran Rhino are herbivores, feeding on a variety of plant materials such as leaves, fruits, and twigs. The Javan Rhino primarily feeds on grasses, while the Sumatran Rhino has a more varied diet that includes fruits, leaves, and bark. Both species are known to be selective feeders, choosing only the most nutritious parts of plants to eat. Due to their large size, rhinos need to consume a significant amount of food each day to meet their energy requirements.

Behavior

Both the Javan Rhino and the Sumatran Rhino are known to be solitary animals, with males and females only coming together to mate. They are primarily active during the early morning and late afternoon, resting in the shade during the hottest parts of the day. Both species are territorial and will mark their territory with urine and dung to warn off intruders. The Javan Rhino is known to be more aggressive than the Sumatran Rhino, especially when defending its territory or young.

Conservation Status

Both the Javan Rhino and the Sumatran Rhino are critically endangered, with only a few hundred individuals left in the wild. The Javan Rhino is considered to be the rarest rhinoceros species, with only around 60 individuals remaining in Ujung Kulon National Park. The Sumatran Rhino is slightly more numerous, with an estimated population of around 80 individuals in the wild. Both species are threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict, making conservation efforts crucial for their survival.