“Only when the last animal horns, tusk skins and bones are sold, will mankind realize that money can never buy back our wildlife” - Wild at Heart. This is a Javan Rhinoceros. It is a majestic wild animal that was once inhabited throughout northeast India and Southeast Asia. Its scientific name is Rhinoceros sondaicus and it weighed about 1,984 - 5,071 pounds living in tropical forests. Its height ranged from 4.6 - 5.8 feet and lengthened from 10-10.5 feet. Such a beautiful and unique creature… but on the brink of extinction?

Since its first appearance, the Javan Rhino has been classified as a critically endangered species with a population of less than 80 individuals. As a result, it has always been a species that has struggled to reproduce. It's terrible that a species with so much potential can't even reach a population of 100 individuals. The Javan Rhino population peaked at around 75 individuals because its horn is in high demand as a component of Asian medicine. The peak population of Javan Rhinos is around 105.3 million times smaller than the current human population.

Because these rhinos are considered keystone species, their extinction would have a significant influence on the ecology and environment. There will be less plant biodiversity if rhinos become extinct. This is due to the fact that rhinos already help the environment by simply eating. Gazelles, antelope, and zebras will have less food without rhinos. Basically, there will be less wildlife biodiversity because herbivores will have less food, and the primary predators will have less food. In general, around 80% of rhinos live in South Africa; consequently, if they become extinct, there will be less wildlife tourists, leading the economy to suffer and employment rates to plummet. To summarize, when rhinos become extinct, many negative consequences will be unleashed for many species. Many rhino species have short life spans of 30-40 years due to their vulnerability to diseases and other things, therefore life as a Javan Rhino is quite hazardous.

Imagine struggling to increase your species population to avoid a total wipe out. As a keystone species, it is greatly advised we avoid killing rhinos. Even though their horns are an important part of medicine, do you think it's worth murdering an innocent natural creature for a single accessory? They can't just take away something that is a part of their identity and come with a significant loss. One’s life. 

Furthermore, if we want to save the Javan Rhino from extinction, we must treat it with greater care from now on.

Sources: 

https://rhinos.org/about-rhinos/rhino-species/javan-rhino/​

https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/javan-rhinos​

 www.worldwildlife.org/species/javan-rhino​

https://mom.com/momlife/248636-things-will-change-when-rhinos-go-extinct​

www.savetherhino.org/rhino-info/population-figures/​

www.worldwildlife.org/magazine/issues/spring-2016/articles/wwf-s-two-part-plan-to-save-the-javan-rhino