Sumatran Rhino

The Sumatran rhino is one of the three rhino species found in Asia. Their population is said to have declined by about 50% since the late 1990’s. Their decline, like all other species of rhino, is due to poaching for their horn but the Sumatran rhino is also suffering due to loss of habitat. Their natural habitat is being destroyed and developed for palm oil plantations.

Unfortunately for the Sumatran rhino, their habitat is very close to China, one of the main destinations, along with Vietnam, for creating a demand for rhino horn.

The Sumatran rhino is a browser and some of their favourite food is leaves, plant tips, twigs and fruits.

The Sumatran is the smallest and hairiest of all the surviving rhinos. It is said to be the closest living relative to the now extinct woolly rhino.

General Sumatran rhino facts:

Scientific name:
Dicerorhinus sumatrensis
Sub-species
Wetsren Sumatran rhino:
Dicerorhinus sumatrensis sumatrensis
Eastern Sumatran rhino (aka Borneo rhino):
Dicerorhinus sumatrensis harrissoni
Northern Sumatran rhino (possibly extinct):
Dicerorhinus sumatrensis lasiotis
Average weight:
600kg to 950kg
Height at shoulder:
1 to 1.5 meters (3 to 5 ft)
Length (head & body):
2 to 3 meters (6.5 to 9.5 ft)
Front horn length:
25cm to 78cm
Rear horn length:
7.5cm
Lifespan:
30 to 45 years
Speed:
Up to 40km per hour (28mph)
Social behaviour:
Solitary
IUCN conservation status:
Critically Endangered

Reproduction:

Gestation:
15 to 16 months
Birth intervals per calf:
3 to 4 years
Female sexual maturity:
6 to 7 years
Male sexual maturity:
10 years
Calves weaned:
16 to 18 months

Distribution:

Wild population:
34 to 47
Range:
Indonesia and Malaysia

help protect rhinos in their natural habitat

Adoption

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Essential food and medication for a rhino orphan

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Community programmes that improve livelihoods

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 Training of anti-poaching teams and tracking dogs

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