Your wildlife photography guide.

Explore the javan rhinoceros in detail, study its behavior, prepare your shots.

Where to observe and photograph the javan rhinoceros in the wild

Learn where and when to spot the javan rhinoceros in the wild, how to identify the species based on distinctive features, and what natural environments it inhabits. The WildlifePhotographer app offers tailored photography tips that reflect the javan rhinoceros’s behavior, helping you capture better wildlife images. Explore the full species profile for key information including description, habitat, active periods, and approach techniques.

Javan Rhinoceros

Scientific name: Rhinocéros sondaicus


Javan Rhinoceros

IUCN Status: Critically Endangered

Family: RHINOCEROTIDAE

Group: Mammals

Sensitivity to human approach: Suspicious

Minimum approach distance: 120 m

Rut period: January to December

Gestation: 15 à 16 mois

Births: January to December


Habitat:
Swampy tropical forests

Activity period :
Mainly active at night, generally discreet during the day.

Identification and description:
The Javan Rhinoceros is a rare and critically endangered species of rhinoceros found primarily on the island of Java in Indonesia. It measures about 3 to 3.5 meters in length, with a tail of 60 to 80 cm, and weighs between 900 and 1,400 kg. Its fur is dark gray, with thick, wrinkled skin, and it has a single horn located on its nose. The Javan Rhinoceros is primarily herbivorous, feeding on fruits, leaves, shoots, and grass. It typically lives in tropical forests and swampy areas, where it hides in dense vegetation to avoid predators. It is threatened by habitat loss, illegal hunting, and habitat fragmentation, with only a very small remaining population, estimated at fewer than 75 individuals.

Recommended lens:
70-200 mm – adjust based on distance, desired framing (portrait or habitat), and approach conditions.

Photography tips:
Approach slowly and discreetly, using a telephoto lens to avoid disturbing the Javan rhinoceros, an extremely rare and shy species. Photograph early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the light is soft and the Javan rhinoceros is more active, often searching for food or moving through tropical forests. Capture moments of natural behavior: The Javan rhinoceros is primarily herbivorous, often observed feeding or resting in dense wooded areas. Wait for moments when it is more visible, without disturbing its activity. Be patient and respectful: Due to its rarity and elusive behavior, be prepared to wait a long time to observe it in its natural habitat without disturbing it. The Javan Rhinoceros is critically endangered, mainly due to habitat loss and poaching. It is crucial to respect its natural environment and minimize any disruption of its behaviors. Strictly follow local conservation rules to preserve this rare and vulnerable species.

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