Analysis of nutritional quality and food digestibility in male Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) in Ujung Kulon National Park

A critical insight from this study is that the Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus), the rarest rhino species, may face nutritional limitations in Ujung Kulon National Park (UKNP). Despite preferring certain food plants like Leea sambucina and Zanthoxylum rhetsa, these were not among the most nutritious options available in their habitat. This mismatch suggests that the rhinos' diet might be nutritionally suboptimal, potentially leading to seasonal shortages of key nutrients such as fat. The research employed a novel method using acid-insoluble ash (AIA) content in feces to estimate food digestibility, which proved reliable for tracking nutrient intake without requiring total fecal collection. The study also found strong correlations between home range size and both food diversity and wallow hole usage, indicating that habitat quality and nutritional availability significantly influence the rhinos' behavior and population density. These findings underscore the need for targeted habitat improvement, such as planting highly nutritious plants, to support the survival of this critically endangered species.

Hariyadi, A. (2016). Analysis of nutritional quality and food digestibility in male Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) in Ujung Kulon National Park. Pachyderm, 57, 86–96. https://doi.org/10.69649/pachyderm.v57i.408