Javan Rhino Conservation Program
At Friends of Rhino our flagship program focuses on the long-term survival of the critically endangered Javan Rhino:
- Community socialization and awareness campaigns (ongoing).
- Bio-ecological monitoring of Javan Rhinos.
- Studying interactions between Javan Rhinos and other wildlife.
- Assessing risks of disease transmission from domestic livestock (e.g., buffalo) to rhinos.
- Inventory and monitoring of rhino food plant species.
- Monitoring and controlling the spread of invasive Langkap (Arenga obtusifolia).
- Active grassland management for banteng (wild cattle) as part of ecosystem balance.
- Managing threats from uncontrolled domestic buffalo grazing.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
- 2016–2021: MoU with Ujung Kulon National Park Authority on Javan Rhino Conservation and Community Empowerment.
- 2017–2019: MoU with PT. Indonesia Power on biodiversity conservation and community development.
- 2018: MoU with Global Conservation Force on Javan Rhino Conservation Program.
- 2021: MoU with Bioparc Conservation on Javan Leopard Monitoring Program.
Awareness and Education Programs
- Rhino Comes to Hotel – education and awareness initiative with Aston Hotel.
- World Rhino Day 2016 – Rhino coloring contest (kindergarten level).
- World Rhino Day 2017 – Rhino coloring contest (elementary school level).
- World Rhino Day 2018 – Collaboration with Ujung Kulon NP and partners.
- Rhino Comes to School (2019) – education program in four senior high schools, funded by PT. Indonesia Power.
Conservation & Community Projects
- Rhino food plant enrichment project, supported by Bank bjb (2017).
- Active banteng grassland management in Nyiur and Kalejetan (7 hectares), funded by PT. Indonesia Power (2018).
- Mangrove crab breeding project, funded by PT. Indonesia Power (2020).
Equipment support:
- 8 video camera traps for Rhino Monitoring Unit, Ujung Kulon NP (2018).
- 30 flashlights, 30 waist bags, 30 pairs of socks for park rangers and monitoring teams (Global Conservation Force, 2018).
- 20 flashlights for park rangers (2020).
- Javan Leopard Monitoring, supported by ResearchWild and Bioparc Conservation (2021).