Sumatran rhinoceros - Ecology & Habitat

A mostly solitary species

The habitats of Sumatran rhinos range from lowland swamps to montane forests, with the species generally favouring forests with thick vegetation. Sumatran rhinos prefer lower altitudes, especially secondary forests where low-growing plants are more abundant.

Social Structure
In the wild, Sumatran rhinos live at low densities and are mostly solitary. Females are thought to be territorial and to avoid one another. Lone females are found at higher elevations while those with a calf will stay in a lower area close to a salt lick. Adults of both sexes regularly mark their ranges with scrapes, saplings, feces, and urine.

Life Cycle
The calf gains its independence at 16 to 17 months and may join other juveniles before taking up a solitary lifestyle. Females are thought to reach sexual maturity at 6-7 years while males reach sexual maturity at 10 years. Life span is thought to be similar to other rhinos at around 35-40 years.

Breeding
Sumatran rhinos give birth to one calf at a time, every 3 to 4 years. Calves are born from October to May, which corresponds to the rainy season in the region.

Diet
The Sumatran rhino is a browser and feeds on fruit (especially wild mangoes and figs), leaves, twigs, and bark. Sometimes the animal will venture into cultivated crops to eat. On a given day, this rhino may eat more than 50 kg of food.