Identification:
- Largest in the Rhinocerotidae family found in Vietnam, reaching up to 3 meters in length. Weight: Over 2000 kg.
- Poor eyesight.
- A single horn on the nose (typically only present in males). This horn is formed from the epidermis and is not attached to the skull, but rather to the skin’s epidermis.
- Thick, tough skin with sparse hair and three deep folds, as well as many small folds, dividing the skin surface into segments (resembling armor).
- Dark grey back and flanks, with a reddish-brown belly.
- Large legs and feet, with three toes each. The hooves are semi-circular, with the middle hoof being larger than the two side hooves.
Biology and Ecology:
- The rhinoceros’s diet consists of tubers, fruits, roots, small branches, and leaves, including thorny twigs.
- Sexual maturity is reached at 4-5 years of age.
- Gestation period: 16-18 months.
- One calf is born every 3-4 years.
- Rhinoceroses live solitary lives in old-growth forests, preferring secluded areas with little human presence. They often inhabit wet, swampy areas and enjoy wallowing in mud and water.
Distribution:
- In Vietnam: Lâm Đồng province (Cát Lộc, part of Cát Tiên National Park).
- Globally: Eastern Pakistan, India, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Malaysia, and Indonesia (Sumatra).
Value:
- A precious and rare animal.
- Important for conserving genetic resources in nature, scientific research, and as a display animal in parks and zoos.
Current Status:
- Currently, only a small population of less than one individual remains in Vietnam. This population is located in the Cát Lộc forest area, Cát Tiên district, Lâm Đồng province, which is part of Cát Tiên National Park.
- Previously, the one-horned rhinoceros was recorded in various locations, including Lai Châu (Mường Tè, Mường Lay), Sơn La (Sông Mã), and Central and Southern Vietnam: Đắk Lắk (Đắk Nông, Đắk Min, Ea Súp), Đồng Nai (Nam Cát Tiên), and Bình Phước (Bù Gia Mập). However, they are now virtually extinct in these areas.
- The small population in the Cát Lộc forest area (nearly 20,000 hectares) is threatened by economic development and the local population living within the area. Furthermore, the Cát Lộc area experiences annual prolonged flooding, which also impacts the rhinoceroses’ survival.
Classification:
- CR A1c B2a,b C1+ 2b D
Conservation Measures:
- Included in the Vietnam Red Data Book (1992-2000) and the IUCN Red List (1996).
- Decree 18/HĐBT and Decree 32/2006/NĐ-CP of the Government prohibit hunting, trapping, and trading of rhinoceroses.
- Strict protection of the Cát Lộc forest area is essential.
- Relocation of households residing within the protected forest area to new settlements.
- Establishment of buffer zones to improve the livelihoods of the local population, thereby reducing pressure on the forest.
- Consideration of relocating some individuals to zoos or other national parks to enhance genetic resource conservation.