World Heritage Identification Number: 608
World Heritage since: 1991
Category: Natural Heritage
WHE Type: Protected Areas & National Parks
Transboundary Heritage: No
Endangered Heritage: No
Country: 🇮🇩 Indonesia
Continent: Asia
UNESCO World Region: Asia and the Pacific
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Ujung Kulon National Park: A Unique Haven for Endangered Species and Natural Wonders
Ujung Kulon National Park, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, is a remarkable treasure trove of biodiversity and geological wonders nestled in the far southwest corner of Java, Indonesia. The park spans across the Ujung Kulon peninsula, several offshore islands, and encompasses the natural reserve of Krakatoa, which was once part of the park but is now recognized as a separate protected area, the Pulau Anak Krakatau Marine Nature Reserve.
More to come…UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site
This national park, located in the extreme south-western tip of Java on the Sunda shelf, includes the Ujung Kulon peninsula and several offshore islands and encompasses the natural reserve of Krakatoa. In addition to its natural beauty and geological interest – particularly for the study of inland volcanoes – it contains the largest remaining area of lowland rainforests in the Java plain. Several species of endangered plants and animals can be found there, the Javan rhinoceros being the most seriously under threat.
UNESCO Justification of the World Heritage Site
Criterion (vii) : Krakatau is one of natural world’s best-known examples of recent island volcanism and the property with its forests, coastline and islands is a natural lanscape of high scenic attaction. The physical feature of Krakatau Island combined with the surrounding sea, natural vegetation, succesion of vegetation and volcanic activities combine to form a lanscape of exceptional beauty. In addition, the combination of natural vegetation of the lowlands, tropical rainforests, grass lands, beach forests, mangrove forests and coral reefs within the property, are of exceptional magnificence. The property includes the Ujung Kulon peninsula and several offshore islands that demonstate on-going evolutionary processes, especially following the dramatic Krakatau eruption in 1883.
Criterion (x) : Containing the most extensive remaining stand of lowland rainforest on Java, a habitat that has virtually disappeared elsewhere on the island and is under severe pressure elsewhere in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, the peninsula of Ujung Kulon provides invaluable habitat critical for the survival of a number of threatened plant and animal species, most notably the endangered Javan Rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus). The Javan rhino is not known to occur in the wild anywhere else on earth and Ujung Kulon is believed to sustain the last viable natural population, estimated at approximately 60 individuals. Efforts to protect the Javan rhino’s remaining habitat and individuals have become a symbol for protection of rainforest of worldwide significance, adding to the international importance of the management and preservation of the Ujung Kulon ecosystem.The property also provides a valuable refuge for 29 other species of mammals; nine of which are on the IUCN red list with three species considered endangered and including leopard (Panthera pardus), the endemic Javan gibbon (Mylobates moloch) and Javan leaf monkey (Presbytis comata). Avifauna recorded within the property includes 270 species while two species of crocodile, the endangered false gharial (Tomistoma schlegelii) and the vulnerable estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) are included in the reptile and amphibian species recorded for the property. In addition to the rich fauna 57 species of rare plants have also been recorded.
Encyclopedia Record: Ujung Kulon National Park
Ujung Kulon National Park is a national park at the westernmost tip of Java, located in Sumur District of Pandeglang Regency, part of Banten province in Indonesia. It once included the volcanic island group of Krakatoa in Lampung province, although current maps has suggested the Krakatoa island group as its own protected area, the Pulau Anak Krakatau Marine Nature Reserve.Additional Site Details
Area: 78,525 hectares
Number of Components: 5
(x) — Contains most important habitats for biodiversity
Coordinates: -6.75 , 105.3333333
IUCN World Heritage Outlook
The 2025 Conservation Outlook on Ujung Kulon National Park reports the following assessment:
Source: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) · View assessment
World Heritage Research
Discover scientific research and academic studies that deepen our understanding of Ujung Kulon National Park from its history and significance to its conservation, management, and contemporary challenges.
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The Reintroduction of Threatened Plants by Bogor Botanic Gardens: Lessons Learned from Ujung Kulon National Park
A study on the reintroduction of five threatened plant species in Ujung Kulon National Park (UKNP) revealed that survival and growth rates varied significantly depending on the species and site conditions, with those planted in more open canopy areas showing better performance. The research, conducted by Bogor Botanic Gardens (BBG), found that local community involvement, including seedling supervision and disturbance reduction, was crucial for successful reintroduction. The study monitored survival and growth over six months, one year, and eight years for plants introduced in 2009, while those from 2014 were assessed in 2017. Diospyros macrophylla exhibited the highest survival rate at Dungus Balang, whereas Vatica bantamensis had the lowest at Legon Pakis.
Robiansyah, I., & Dodo. (2022). The Reintroduction of Threatened Plants by Bogor Botanic Gardens: Lessons Learned from Ujung Kulon National Park. Floresta E Ambiente, 29(2). https://doi.org/10.1590/2179-8087-floram-2021-0075
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A Revised Herpetofauna of Ujung Kulon National Park, West Java, Indonesia
A revised herpetofauna inventory of Ujung Kulon National Park, Indonesia, identifies 21 amphibian and 65 reptile species, including 15 (17%) documented for the first time in this UNESCO-listed site. The park harbors critical populations of rare and endemic species, such as Kalophrynus minusculus, Limnonectes malesianus, Sphenomorphus striolatus, and Tomistoma schlegelii, with three tree-dwelling Javan endemics (Microhyla achatina, Limnonectes microdiscus, Elapoidis fusca) also recorded. Endemism rates for amphibians range from 41–54%, while reptiles exhibit 10–13% endemism, underscoring the park's ecological significance as a stronghold for Java's biodiversity. The study updates previous records and highlights Ujung Kulon’s role in conserving globally threatened species.
Milto, K. D., & Lukin, Y. A. (2020). A Revised Herpetofauna of Ujung Kulon National Park, West Java, Indonesia. Russian Journal of Herpetology, 27(6), 353–368. https://doi.org/10.30906/1026-2296-2020-27-6-353-368
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Diversity of dragonflies (Insecta: Odonata) in Ujung Kulon National Park
A comprehensive survey of dragonfly diversity in Ujung Kulon National Park, Indonesia, reveals 31 species, including 22 new records for the region. The study highlights significant habitat-specific differences in species composition (R = 1, p = 0.0016), with natural ponds harboring the highest richness of Anisoptera (damselflies) and eight species found exclusively in these habitats, while Zygoptera (dragonflies) preferentially inhabit flowing waters like streams and rivers. Conducted across five locations and three aquatic habitat types using transect line methods for adult dragonfly collection, this research provides critical baseline data on Odonata biodiversity in a pristine lowland tropical forest, contributing to the understanding of species distribution patterns in Ujung Kulon National Park.
Sugiman, U., Atmowidi, T., & Priawandiputra, W. (2020). Diversity of dragonflies (Insecta: Odonata) in Ujung Kulon National Park. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 457(1), 12031. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/457/1/012031
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Habitat preferences of current record of JHE (Nisaetus bartelsi) in lowland forest in Ujung Kulon National Park
A groundbreaking discovery challenges the established understanding of Javan Hawk-eagle (JHE) habitat preferences, revealing their presence in lowland forests within Ujung Kulon National Park (TNUK), contrary to previous habitat modeling that restricted them to highlands. This study identified two distinct habitat preferences for JHE: hunting and nesting sites, both dominated by bay trees (Syzygium polyanthum). Hunting habitats were characterized by sloping ground near the Cigenter River and its tributaries, where tree dominance influenced diet availability. Nesting habitats, on the other hand, prioritized species diversity. The research employed camera traps initially intended for monitoring Javan Rhinos (Rhinos sondaicus), vegetation analysis to determine Important Value Index (IVI) and diversity indices, providing critical insights into the ecological adaptability of this endangered raptor.
Fahmi, I., & Syartinilia. (2020). Habitat preferences of current record of JHE (Nisaetus bartelsi) in lowland forest in Ujung Kulon National Park. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 590(1), 12004. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/590/1/012004
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Population Structure Analysis of Javan Rhinoceros at Ujung Kulon National Park, West Java
A population analysis of the critically endangered Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) at Ujung Kulon National Park, Indonesia, reveals a moderate natural increase rate (17.34%) and high birth rate (67.33%), despite a net return rate below 100% due to prolonged breeding cycles. The study, based on data from 2011–2019, also found low inbreeding (0.01), suggesting genetic resilience but highlighting the need for population growth to sustain long-term survival. The research utilized monitoring records to assess demographic parameters, providing critical insights for conservation efforts.
Putra, W. P. B., Syamsudin, M., & Firdaus, A. Y. (2020). Population Structure Analysis of Javan Rhinoceros at Ujung Kulon National Park, West Java. Buletin Plasma Nutfah, 26(2), 103. https://doi.org/10.21082/blpn.v26n2.2020.p103-108
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Potential tsunami hazard in Ujung Kulon National Park
A study reveals that Ujung Kulon National Park (UKNP), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the last habitat for the critically endangered Javan rhino, faces significant tsunami hazard potential. Simulations using the shallow water equation model indicate that tsunamis originating from Mount Anak Krakatau or the Sunda Arc subduction zone could reach heights of up to 12.9 meters along the park's 190 km coastline. This vulnerability threatens the preservation of UKNP's unique biodiversity, including its rare Javan rhino population, which numbers fewer than 100 individuals. The findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced management strategies to mitigate tsunami risks and safeguard this irreplaceable natural heritage.
Widiyanto, W., & Hsiao, S.-C. (2020). Potential tsunami hazard in Ujung Kulon National Park. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 982(1), 12034. https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899x/982/1/012034
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Influence of management status on the coral reef fish communities in Ujung Kulon National Park, Banten
Coral reef fish communities in Ujung Kulon National Park (TNUK) exhibit higher species richness and abundance in the Core Zone compared to the Marine Protection Zone, with Caesionidae being the most frequent family in the former. This difference is attributed to stricter preservation measures in the Core Zone, which likely support more diverse coral reef ecosystems. The study used underwater visual census methods during field observations in October 2017 to assess fish communities across zones, revealing that while abundance did not significantly differ, species richness showed a statistically significant variation. These findings underscore the impact of zoning management on marine biodiversity conservation.
Yudha, F. K., Fahlevy, K., Andika, W., Saraswati, E., Hutami, P. R., Kamal, M. M., & Samosir, A. M. (2019). Influence of management status on the coral reef fish communities in Ujung Kulon National Park, Banten. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 278(1), 12083. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/278/1/012083
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Carrying capacity of Peucang Island for ecotourism management in Ujung Kulon National Park
Peucang Island in Ujung Kulon National Park (UKNP) supports ecotourism with significant but differentiated carrying capacities. Research reveals that the Karang Copong jungle trail can accommodate 20,000 visitors daily under Physical Carrying Capacity (PCC), 4,838 under Real Carrying Capacity (RCC), and a mere 6 under Effective Carrying Capacity (ECC). Biological observations indicate vegetation damage and altered animal behavior along the trail. Beach suitability assessments classify two sites as suitable and six as highly suitable for tourism, with capacities ranging from 27 to 70 visitors daily. Current visitor numbers exceed ECC thresholds but remain within PCC and RCC limits, highlighting urgent need for sustainable management to preserve ecological integrity.
Wiyono, K. H., Muntasib, E. K. S. H., & Yulianda, F. (2018). Carrying capacity of Peucang Island for ecotourism management in Ujung Kulon National Park. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 149, 12018. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/149/1/012018
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Population status of endemic tree kokoleceran (Vatica bantamensis) in Ujung Kulon National Park, Indonesia
A critically endangered tree species, kokoleceran (Vatica bantamensis), found exclusively in Ujung Kulon National Park (UKNP), Indonesia, faces severe population decline due to habitat loss and invasive species. Research using adaptive cluster sampling identified 280 individuals concentrated in Mount Payung, with only 20% mature, indicating an inverse-J-shaped population structure. The species' area of occupancy is estimated at 8 km², highlighting its extreme vulnerability. The invasive langkap palm (Arenga obtusifolia) poses the greatest threat, necessitating urgent conservation intervention to prevent further decline and potential extinction.
ROBIANSYAH, I., DODO, D., & HAMIDI, A. (2018). Population status of endemic tree kokoleceran (Vatica bantamensis) in Ujung Kulon National Park, Indonesia. Biodiversitas Journal of Biological Diversity, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.13057/biodiv/d200147
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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
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Home range and habitat use of reintroduced Javan Deer in Panaitan Island, Ujung Kulon National Park
A study comparing the home range and habitat use of Javan deer in Peucang Island and Panaitan Island, Ujung Kulon National Park, found that while overall home range sizes did not differ significantly between the two populations, subadult males on Peucang Island exhibited larger home ranges than their counterparts on Panaitan Island. The research used Minimum Convex Polygon to measure home range size and habitat use, providing critical insights for wildlife habitat management in small island ecosystems. Javan deer on Panaitan Island were found to thrive in suitable conditions, highlighting the importance of reintroduction efforts and habitat conservation.
Pairah, Santosa, Y., Prasetyo, L. B., & Mustari, A. H. (2015). Home range and habitat use of reintroduced Javan Deer in Panaitan Island, Ujung Kulon National Park. Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity, 8(3), 203–209. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2015.08.002
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The Time Budget of Javan Deer ( Rusa timorensis , Blainville 1822) in Panaitan Island, Ujung Kulon National Park, Banten, Indonesia
Javan deer (Rusa timorensis) reintroduced to Panaitan Island, Ujung Kulon National Park, allocate most of their diurnal time to feeding, with no significant differences observed across age and sex groups. This study highlights that the behavior of these deer is influenced by factors such as age, sex, social group dynamics, temperature, and food availability. Researchers conducted observations on the reintroduced population, providing insights into how environmental and social variables shape their daily activities.
PAIRAH, SANTOSA, Y., PRASETYO, L. B., & MUSTARI, A. H. (2014). The Time Budget of Javan Deer ( Rusa timorensis , Blainville 1822) in Panaitan Island, Ujung Kulon National Park, Banten, Indonesia. HAYATI Journal of Biosciences, 21(3), 121–126. https://doi.org/10.4308/hjb.21.3.121
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A List of the Butterflies of Ujung Kulon National Park, Java, Indonesia
A comprehensive survey of butterfly species in Ujung Kulon National Park, Indonesia, identified 101 species during recent fieldwork conducted in 2005, 2006, and 2010. This brings the total recorded butterfly diversity in the park to 177 species, providing an updated and expanded inventory for this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study compared these findings with previous records, highlighting the significance of Ujung Kulon as a biodiversity hotspot. The research relied on direct collection and observation data, offering a detailed baseline for future ecological studies in the region.
Peggie, D. (2013). A LIST OF THE BUTTERFLIES OF UJUNG KULON NATIONAL PARK, JAVA, INDONESIA. Treubia, 39, 67–76. https://doi.org/10.14203/treubia.v39i0.25
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Javan Rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus Desmarest 1822) Utilization Distribution and Habitat Selection in Ujung Kulon National Park
Javan rhinos (Rhinoceros sondaicus) exhibit strong habitat preferences within Ujung Kulon National Park, favoring swampy shrub and open shrubland areas with low to slight slopes. They also prefer proximity to water sources, road networks, coasts, wallowing sites, and rumpang (dense vegetation). This study, using utilization distribution models, identified key habitat characteristics that could guide conservation efforts outside the park to mitigate threats like poaching and natural disasters.
Santosa, Y., Rahmat, U. M., Prasetyo, L. B., & Kartono, A. P. (2013). Javan Rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus Desmarest 1822) Utilization Distribution and Habitat Selection in Ujung Kulon National Park. Jurnal Manajemen Hutan Tropika (Journal of Tropical Forest Management), 19(1), 31–38. https://doi.org/10.7226/jtfm.19.1.31
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Habitat Suitability Modeling of Javan Rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus Desmarest 1822) in Ujung Kulon National Park
Research identifies four critical habitat factors for the critically endangered Javan rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus) in Ujung Kulon National Park (UKNP): slope, proximity to wallow sites, distance from open areas ('rumpang'), and beach proximity. These factors were determined using spatial modeling techniques, revealing their dominant influence on rhino presence. The study highlights the importance of these components for habitat suitability, providing crucial insights for conservation efforts in this last refuge for the species.
Rahmat, U. M., Santosa, Y., Prasetyo, L. B., & Kartono, A. P. (2012). Habitat Suitability Modeling of Javan Rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus Desmarest 1822) in Ujung Kulon National Park. Jurnal Manajemen Hutan Tropika (Journal of Tropical Forest Management), 18(2), 129–137. https://doi.org/10.7226/jtfm.18.2.129
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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
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Estimating the population structure of Javan rhinos (Rhinoceros sondaicus) in Ujung Kulon National Park using the mark- recapture method based on video and camera trap identification
A population estimate of 32 Javan rhinos (Rhinoceros sondaicus), ranging from 29 to 47 individuals, was derived for Ujung Kulon National Park using the mark-recapture method based on video and camera trap identifications. The study, conducted between April 2008 and September 2009, applied the CAPTURE software to select the best-fit estimator (M(th)), yielding a 95% confidence interval. Visual identification further revealed a male-biased sex ratio of approximately 3:2 (males to females) and indicated a slow annual population growth rate of about 1%. The findings highlight the park's role as a critical stronghold for this critically endangered species, emphasizing the need for targeted conservation efforts to address demographic imbalances and support sustainable growth.
Hariyadi, A., Priambudi, A., Setiawan, R., Daryan, D., Yayus, A., & Purnama, H. (2011). Estimating the population structure of Javan rhinos (Rhinoceros sondaicus) in Ujung Kulon National Park using the mark- recapture method based on video and camera trap identification. Pachyderm, 49, 90–99. https://doi.org/10.69649/pachyderm.v49i.254
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