Sumatran rhinoceros

Smallest of all rhinos almost homeless

Common Name		Sumatran rhinoceros, lesser two-horned rhino, hairy rhino; Rhinocéros de Sumatra (Fr); Rinoceronte de Sumatra (Sp)
Scientific Name		Rhinoceros sumatrensis
Habitat		Dense highland and lowland tropical and sub-tropical forests
Location		Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, northern Borneo
Status		IUCN: Critically Endangered (CR A1bcd, C2a) CITES: Appendix I
Population		Fewer than 300 individuals

Background

This information has been reviewed by A. Christy Williams, Coordinator, WWF Asian Rhinoceros and Elephant Action Strategy.

The present situation
Known populations of this rhino are small and widely scattered, its forest habitat is dwindling fast, and the threat of poaching is ever-present. Today, the wild population of the Sumatran rhino may be below 300 individuals, and so far captive breeding attempts have been unsuccessful. The species is currently found in penisular Malaysia, and on the islands of Borneo (Sabah, Malaysia) and Sumatra (Indonesia). The Borneo population is considered a distinct sub-species.

Survival priorities
If this small hairy rhino is to survive much longer, urgent measures are needed to save the forests where it still occurs. Moreover, it is imperative that trade in rhino horn and other products is halted immediately.

WWF's work
WWF is approaching the conservation of Sumatran rhinos from a number of angles including protection of habitat, strengthening anti-poaching efforts, trade monitoring of rhino horns, protected area management, and awareness programmes.

» WWF Asian Rhino and Elephant Action Strategy

Physical Description

• Western Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis sumatrensis)
• Eastern Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis harrissoni)

The Sumatran, or hairy, rhino is the smallest of the living rhinoceroses and the only Asian rhino species with two horns. Characteristics include fringed ears, reddish-brown skin variably covered with long hair (sparse to sometimes dense), and wrinkles around its eyes.

The front horn is usually 25-80 cm long, while the posterior horn is usually quite small and often no more than 10 cm. Calves are born with a dense covering of hair which turns reddish brown in young adults and becomes sparse, bristly and almost black in older animals.

Size
The body length ranges from 2 to 3 m and usually from 1 to 1.5 m in height. Body weight has been estimated at 600-950 kg.

Colour
The skin of adults is reddish-brown.

Habitat

Major habitat type
Dense highland and lowland tropical and sub-tropical forests

Biogeographic realm
Indo-Malayan

Range States
Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei

Geographical Location
Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Northern Borneo

Ecological Region
Sumatran Islands Lowland and Montane Forests, Peninsular Malaysian Lowland and Montane Forests, Borneo Lowland and Montane Forests, Sundaland Rivers and Swamps

Interesting Facts

The only Asian rhino with two horns.