Welcome IRIS: New Hope for Javan Rhinoceros Conservation

Indonesia celebrates the birth of a baby Javan rhinoceros, IRIS, in Ujung Kulon National Park. Captured in May, IRIS and her mother represent hope for the critically endangered species, now numbering around 80 worldwide. Conservation efforts continue despite poaching and natural threats.

Indonesia has welcomed the birth of a baby Javan rhinoceros, a new member of one of the world's most critically endangered species, the environment and forestry ministry announced.

Footage captured in May from a camera set up in Ujung Kulon National Park, located on the western tip of Java island, was released by the ministry on Thursday. The clip showed the baby, named IRIS, walking with her mother. IRIS is the mother's first-born calf and is estimated to be 3-5 months old.

According to the International Rhino Foundation, there are only about 80 Javan rhinoceros globally, all in Indonesia. A female calf was also spotted last year, believed to have been born in February 2023. Javan rhinoceros, easily identified by their single horn, were once found throughout northeast India and Southeast Asia but are now critically endangered mainly due to poaching.

Ardi Andono, head of Ujung Kulon, cautioned that the discovery of IRIS does not guarantee the safety of the rhinoceros' habitat, which remains threatened by illegal hunters and natural disasters.

(With inputs from agencies.)