Another Rare Javan Rhino Calf Spotted at Indonesia Park

This 2021 handout image released by Indonesia's environment ministry shows one of two rare Javan rhino calves that were caught on video in Ujung Kulon National Park. Photo: MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTRY REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA/AFP/File
This 2021 handout image released by Indonesia's environment ministry shows one of two rare Javan rhino calves that were caught on video in Ujung Kulon National Park. Photo: MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTRY REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA/AFP/File
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Another Rare Javan Rhino Calf Spotted at Indonesia Park

This 2021 handout image released by Indonesia's environment ministry shows one of two rare Javan rhino calves that were caught on video in Ujung Kulon National Park. Photo: MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTRY REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA/AFP/File
This 2021 handout image released by Indonesia's environment ministry shows one of two rare Javan rhino calves that were caught on video in Ujung Kulon National Park. Photo: MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTRY REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA/AFP/File

A new Javan rhino calf has been spotted in an Indonesian national park, the facility's head said Friday, further boosting hopes for one of the world's most endangered mammals after two other sightings this year.

The female calf, believed to be between three and five months old, was spotted in camera trap footage taken in May at Java's Ujung Kulon National Park, a find only made public Thursday by Indonesia's environment and forestry ministry, Agence France Presse reported.

The mammal named Iris was seen walking with her mother, said Ardi Andono, head of the park.

"This is positive news for the wider community that the Javan rhino is still sustainable," Ardi told AFP Friday.

The park official said Iris, the third calf identified this year, was found after authorities deployed more than 100 camera traps across the national park in February.

"We always use the assumption that every location has the same potential... to obtain the rhinos' photos," said Ardi.

He said two more calves were spotted earlier this year at the park, which is the only habitat left for the critically endangered animal.

After years of population decline, authorities believe there are 82 Javan rhinos left inside the 120,000-hectare sanctuary of lush rainforest and freshwater streams.

The rhinos, which have folds of loose skin giving them the appearance of wearing armor plating, once numbered in the thousands across Southeast Asia but have been hard hit by rampant poaching and human encroachment.

Activists have disputed official figures after authorities recently uncovered a poaching gang that claimed to have killed 26 rhinos since 2018.



Red Sea International Film Festival Reveals Arab Short Film Lineup for 2024

The Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF)
The Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF)
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Red Sea International Film Festival Reveals Arab Short Film Lineup for 2024

The Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF)
The Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF)

The Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) has announced the lineup of Arab short films participating in the Red Sea Shorts Competition. These films will be screened from December 5 to 14 in Jeddah.

A total of 15 short films have been selected, featuring talent from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Somalia, Sudan, Jordan, and Lebanon.
The competition aims to provide a platform for both emerging and established local and regional talents to showcase their creativity on an international stage, connecting them with global audiences and industry experts.
RSIFF Director of Arab Programs and Film Classics Antoine Khalife said that this year's program features great films and talents that mirror the sophistication and maturity of the film and entertainment landscape in the region. He highlighted that filmmakers have conveyed powerful messages through an innovative cinematic approach, addressing a range of topics including self-discovery, identity, and mental health.
So far, RSIFF has screened more than 120 Arab and Saudi films between 2021 and 2023.