The Sumatran rhinoceros is a unique and fascinating species within the rhinoceros family, distinguished by several characteristics not seen in its African or other Asian counterparts. This rhinoceros species is notable for its long, coarse hair, which gives it a distinct reddish-brown appearance, making it the most hairy of all rhinoceros species. As these animals age, their hair tends to become sparser, leading to older individuals having less hair coverage.
One of the most distinctive features of the Sumatran rhino is its two horns, a rarity among Asian rhinoceroses, which typically possess a single horn. The front horn is the larger of the two, measuring between 15 and 25 centimeters (6 to 10 inches) in length, while the smaller posterior horn rarely exceeds 10 centimeters (about 4 inches). These horns, composed of keratin (the same material that makes up human hair and nails), are dark grey or black in color and play a significant role in the rhino’s interactions with its environment and other rhinos.
Currently, the Sumatran rhino is classified as Critically Endangered, facing a dire struggle for survival. The species suffers primarily from habitat loss and fragmentation and the consequences of human activities such as logging, agriculture, and infrastructure development. These environmental pressures have confined the remaining population to increasingly isolated patches of forest in the islands of Sumatra and Borneo in Indonesia. The fragmentation of their habitat severely limits their chances of finding mates, contributing to their alarmingly low reproductive rates.
The plight of the Sumatran rhino underscores a broader crisis in biodiversity, as this species is among the most ancient of all living mammals. With estimates suggesting fewer than 80 individuals remain in the wild, the survival of the Sumatran rhino hangs in a precarious balance. Conservation efforts, both in situ (within their natural habitat) and ex-situ (in captivity), are vital to prevent the extinction of this irreplaceable species.
Distribution
Bangladesh
Official estimate
Bhutan
Official estimate
Brunei
Official estimate
Cambodia
Official estimate
India
Official estimate
Indonesia
Laos
Official estimate
Malaysia
Official estimate
Myanmar
Thailand
Official estimate
Vietnam
Official estimate
Recent updates
September 30, 2023: The Indonesian government announced that a calf was born at the Way Kambas National Park on southern Sumatra island, marking the third successful pairing between a local female rhino, Ratu, and Andalas, a former resident of Ohio’s Cincinnati Zoo.
March 2023: To prevent the Sumatran rhino species from becoming extinct, scientists from the Max Delbrück Center have successfully developed stem cells and mini-brains from the skin cells of Kertam, the late, last male Sumatran rhino in Malaysia who sadly passed away in 2019. They aim to employ these cells to generate sperm cells for the purpose of reproduction.
Did you know?
- They give birth to one calf every 3-5 years only.
- They are the most primitive rhinoceros species originating about 20 million years ago.
- Bornean rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis harrissoni) are thought to be functionally extinct with only one known surviving individual, a female named Pahu, in captivity.
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
