Optimizing the habitat of the Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) in Ujung Kulon National Park by reducing the invasive palm Arenga obtusifolia

Controlling invasive arenga palm (Arenga obtusifolia) significantly improves habitat quality for the critically endangered Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) by increasing food plant abundance and diversity, leading to greater rhino visitation. Researchers demonstrated this in Ujung Kulon National Park by reducing palm dominance across four 1-hectare plots, selected based on ecological criteria such as shading levels and potential for connecting rhino home ranges. The study, conducted in two phases—palm control and monitoring—showed that invasive species management can enhance habitat accessibility and nutritional availability for rhinos, offering a practical conservation strategy to support their survival.

Hariyadi, A., Priambudi, A., Setiawan, R., Daryan, Purnama, H., & Yayus, A. (2012). Optimizing the habitat of the Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) in Ujung Kulon National Park by reducing the invasive palm Arenga obtusifolia. Pachyderm, 52, 49–54. https://doi.org/10.69649/pachyderm.v52i.306