Jakarta. Musofa, a male Javan rhinoceros, died shortly after his historic relocation from its habitat to the Javan Rhino Study and Conservation Area (JRSCA) in Ujung Kulon National Park, Pandeglang, Banten, park officials said on Thursday.

The relocation had been hailed as a milestone for protecting the critically endangered Javan rhino, one of the world’s rarest large mammals.

Musofa was captured on Nov. 3 after entering a pit trap and was officially moved on Nov. 21 under a large-scale operation called the Red and White Operation. The mission involved veterinarians, conservation scientists, academics, international partners, and military personnel. It marked the first relocation ever attempted for a Javan rhino, a species that has survived for decades within a single, isolated population vulnerable to disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and genetic decline.

Although Musofa arrived at JRSCA on Nov. 5 in stable condition and initially showed promising adaptation, his health declined rapidly on Nov.  7. Medical teams worked around the clock, but he could not be saved by late afternoon that day.

A necropsy by the pathology team of IPB University’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences revealed severe long-standing ailments affecting the stomach, intestines, and brain, along with significant parasitic infections. Old injuries from territorial fights in the wild were also detected, though experts confirmed these were not the cause of death.

“Musofa was transferred without wounds or trauma during the process. His chronic illnesses had persisted long before the relocation and presented medical challenges that could not be overcome,” said Ujung Kulon National Park Head Ardi Andono in a written statement.

Ardi added that Musofa’s relocation was part of a long-term conservation strategy. Research from IPB University shows the existing Javan rhino population now consists of only two genetic haplotypes, both displaying alarming levels of inbreeding. “Haplotype 1 has an inbreeding level of 58.5 percent, while Haplotype 2 is at 6.5 percent,” he said.

The findings highlight the urgent need for advanced scientific interventions, including systematic breeding, assisted reproductive technology, biobanking, and even potential gene-editing approaches to secure the species’ survival.

Ardi said that while Musofa’s death is a profound loss, it provides invaluable lessons. Authorities plan to strengthen early disease detection, improve habitat management, and tighten health monitoring for the remaining rhinos in Ujung Kulon.

“His passing is painful for all of us, but the dedication and knowledge gained from this operation will shape stronger protection efforts so this species, a national pride, can endure for future generations,” he said.

The Javan rhino continues to face a steep population decline. The latest assessment by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)  reported that the population may have fallen from 78 to 50 individuals after poachers allegedly killed 26 rhinos.