The Sumatran Rhino
In this article, Bella talks about Sumatran rhinos and their declining numbers in the wild.
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The smallest rhinos in the world
The smallest rhinos in the world
By: Bella Eichmann
By: Bella Eichmann
Sadly, many species in the wild today are getting closer and closer to extinction. Though many factors are behind this somewhat rapid decline in wildlife, the most prominent are the rising temperatures caused by climate change, habitat loss (mainly due to human activities), and overexploitation of species. And of those species, the Sumatran rhino is one of the most endangered.
At around five feet tall at the shoulder, and weighing 1,100 to 1,800 pounds when fully grown, the Sumatran rhino is the smallest living species of rhinoceros today. They are also the only known Asian rhino with two horns on their head. These rhinos are also the closest living relatives of the extinct Woolly rhinoceros, and are covered in long hair. As calves, their coat is full, and turns reddish-brown in color as they become young adults. As they grow, their covering becomes more sparse, and turns almost black over time.
The habitat of Sumatran rhinos consists of marshy areas and dense forests. These rhinos are well acclimated to living on hilly and mountainous terrain, as well, making them the only species of rhino in Asia that can be found in such places. Sumatran rhinos are found mainly on the island of Sumatra, along with some other isolated locations around Indonesia. Once, the Sumatran rhino roamed from the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas in eastern India, all the way to Myanmar in Thailand-- possibly even to China and Vietnam, and throughout much of the Malay Peninsula.
Sumatran rhinos and Javan rhinos are the two most critically endangered rhino species. And, while the Sumatran rhinos have more numbers in the wild, they are at a greater risk of extinction due to habitat loss through fragmentation-- the action of separating their habitat into multiple smaller, isolated patches of land. The thirty-five or so individuals left in the wild are surviving in small and non-viable populations. According to the World Wildlife Fund, "Just two captive females have reproduced in the last 15 years.” If nothing changes, then the Sumatran rhino could very soon become extinct.
Even worse, there is still a growing consumer demand for rhino horn, despite the unlawfulness of poaching rhinos for their horn. The rhino horn is desired for supposed medicinal purposes, though no evidence backing up that statement is available. Their horn is also coveted as an ornament, which is often carved, and signifies high prestige and social status. The International Fund for Animal Welfare states that "Poaching is often driven by well-organized criminal syndicates that engage in wildlife trafficking, making its prevention difficult for law enforcement.” Vietnam and China are two of the largest consumer markets for the rhino horn today.
Though Sumatran rhino numbers are still declining today, there is still hope. And that hope comes from more than just large and well-known conservation companies. Being aware of the existence of these rhinos is one more step toward their conservation. For those who want to learn more about saving Sumatran rhinos from extinction, check out the World Wildlife Fund website.
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