Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Indonesian authorities have confirmed the sighting of a female Javan rhinoceros with her newborn calf, estimated to be less than five months old, in Ujung Kulon National Park, the species’ last remaining habitat. The discovery was made through camera trap footage on January 29 at 10:17 p.m. local time, marking the first recorded birth of a Javan rhino in 2026, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry confirmed on Wednesday.Officials say the finding is a crucial indicator of successful conservation management and habitat protection for one of the world’s rarest large mammals. “This recording shows that the habitat in Ujung Kulon remains well-preserved. Strong and consistent protection, combined with collaboration among multiple stakeholders, has enabled the Javan rhino to reproduce naturally,” said Director General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation Satyawan Pudyatmoko here on Wednesday. Preliminary analysis suggests the mother rhino is “Arum,” an individual previously identified in monitoring records. The calf, however, is a new addition to the population, offering hope for the species’ survival. Fewer than 80 Javan rhinos (Rhinoceros sondaicus) are believed to exist in the wild, all confined to Ujung Kulon on the western tip of Java. Authorities at Ujung Kulon National Park will continue intensive monitoring of the mother and calf, alongside broader efforts to safeguard endangered species in the area. These measures include strengthened patrols, technology-based surveillance, habitat management, and expanded cooperation with conservation partners, NGOs, law enforcement, local governments, and communities. “The government calls on all parties to support the preservation of the Javan rhino, one of the rarest animals in the world and a source of national pride for Indonesia, to ensure its survival for future generations,” Pudyatmoko emphasized.