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Western Sumatran rhinoceros

Dicerorhinus sumatrensis sumatrensis

MammalHuntableListed as Critically En…

Overview

Has two horns much like the African subspecies with a large nasal horn and the other being more of a stub. The coat is reddish-brown.

Taxonomy

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammal
Family
Rhinocerotidae
Genus
Dicerorhinus
Species
Dicerorhinus sumatrensis

Habitat

Rainforest and swamps. Distribution- Sumatra: Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, Kerinci Seblat National Park, Gunung Leuser Sumatra, Way Kambas National Park Sumatra

Diet

Mainly a grazer.

Behavior

Adult males are usually solitary outside of breeding times and cow-calf groups will congregate around grazing, wallowing, and salt lick areas. Poor eye-sight but excellent senses of hearing and smell. They are good swimmers and can run fast for short distances. Generally non-aggressive but will charge when threatened.

Hunting

This species is not hunted and is highly protected. When in rhino country it is important to stay on guard as these animals will charge and act agressive if they feel threatened or for no apparent reason. Years of unregulated hunting were followed by a huge increase in poaching once protective measures were put in place. Any sightings would be scientifically significant.

Conservation Status

Listed as Critically Endangered by IUCN with an estimated number in 2015 of less than 100 in the wild.