The Sumatran rhinoceros is a marvel of nature, hiding in the dense forests of Southeast Asia. These ancient-looking creatures have roamed the Earth for millions of years, yet they remain a mystery to many. With their shaggy hair and small stature, they stand apart from their African cousins. Today, these remarkable animals face a desperate fight for survival, with fewer than 80 left in the wild. Let’s explore some fascinating facts about these elusive giants that might just surprise you.
They’re Called “Hairy Rhinos” for Good Reason
Sumatran rhinos are covered in reddish-brown hair, making them look quite different from other rhino species. This fuzzy coat helps them stay warm in their cool forest homes and protects their skin from scratches as they move through thick vegetation. The hair is particularly dense on younger rhinos, giving them an almost woolly appearance.
They’re the Smallest Rhino Species
Despite their powerful appearance, Sumatran rhinos are the smallest of all rhino species. They typically stand about 1.3 metres tall at the shoulder and weigh between 500 to 800 kilograms, which is roughly the size of a small car. Their compact size allows them to navigate dense forests with ease, an advantage in their tropical habitat.
They’re More Closely Related to Woolly Rhinos Than Living Rhinos
Sumatran rhinos are often called “living fossils” because they’re more closely related to the extinct woolly rhinos of the Ice Age than to other modern rhino species. This makes them a unique window into the past. Genetic studies suggest they diverged from other rhino lineages over 25 million years ago.
They Can Sing
Unlike other rhinos, Sumatran rhinos are quite vocal. They produce a variety of sounds, including whistles, squeaks, and even whale-like songs. These vocalisations are thought to play a role in their communication and mating rituals. Researchers have identified at least ten distinct calls in their vocal repertoire.
They’re Excellent Swimmers
Despite their bulky appearance, Sumatran rhinos are surprisingly good swimmers. They often spend time in water and mud to cool off and protect their skin from insects and the sun. Their swimming ability also helps them cross rivers and access food sources on riverbanks and islands.
They Have Two Horns
Unlike some rhino species that have only one horn, Sumatran rhinos sport two. The front horn is larger, typically growing up to 25 centimetres, while the second horn is much smaller, often just a bump. These horns are made of keratin, the same protein found in human hair and nails.
They’re Mostly Solitary
Sumatran rhinos prefer to live alone, only coming together to mate. They mark their territory with urine, faeces, and by leaving scent trails as they move through the forest. Each adult rhino typically maintains a territory of 10-30 square kilometres, depending on the availability of food and water.
They Have Poor Eyesight
Like other rhino species, Sumatran rhinos have poor eyesight. However, they make up for this with an excellent sense of smell and hearing, which help them navigate their forest habitat and detect potential threats. Their ears can rotate independently, allowing them to pinpoint sounds from different directions.
They’re Picky Eaters
Despite their size, Sumatran rhinos are quite selective about what they eat. They prefer young saplings, leaves, and fruits, and use their prehensile upper lips to grab and pull food into their mouths. They’ve been known to eat over 100 different plant species, but favour plants from the genera Macaranga, Mallotus, and Eupatorium.
They Have Surprisingly Thin Skin
Despite their tough appearance, Sumatran rhinos have relatively thin skin compared to other rhino species. Their skin is only about 10-16 millimeters thick, while other rhinos can have skin up to 5 centimeters thick. This thin skin makes them more vulnerable to injuries from thorny vegetation and insect bites. To protect themselves, they often wallow in mud, which acts as a natural sunscreen and insect repellent. Their hairy coat also helps shield their sensitive skin from scratches as they move through dense forest undergrowth.
They Can Live Up to 40 Years
In the wild, Sumatran rhinos can live for 30-40 years. However, due to threats like poaching and habitat loss, many don’t reach their full lifespan. In captivity, with proper care and protection, some individuals have lived into their early 40s.
They Were Once Found Across Southeast Asia
Historically, Sumatran rhinos roamed across much of Southeast Asia, including parts of India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Today, they’re only found in small pockets of Sumatra and Borneo. Their range has shrunk by more than 70% in the last century.
They’re Excellent Climbers
Despite their hefty build, Sumatran rhinos are surprisingly agile. They can navigate steep, muddy slopes with ease, a skill that helps them move through their mountainous forest habitats. Their strong legs and specially adapted feet with three toes provide excellent traction on various terrains.
They Have a Symbiotic Relationship With Birds
Like their African relatives, Sumatran rhinos sometimes allow birds to perch on their backs. These birds eat insects and parasites from the rhino’s skin, providing a cleaning service in return for an easy meal. This relationship helps keep the rhinos free from harmful parasites and skin infections.
They’re The Most Endangered Rhino Species
With fewer than 80 individuals left in the wild, Sumatran rhinos are the most endangered of all rhino species. Their population has declined by more than 70% in the past 20 years due to poaching and habitat loss. The remaining populations are fragmented, making breeding opportunities scarce.
They Play a Crucial Role in Forest Ecosystems
As they move through the forest, Sumatran rhinos help disperse seeds in their dung, contributing to the growth and diversity of their habitat. Their browsing habits also help maintain the structure of the forest. By creating paths and clearings, they inadvertently create microhabitats for smaller forest creatures.
They’re The Only Asian Rhino With Two Horns
Among the three Asian rhino species (Sumatran, Javan, and Indian), the Sumatran is the only one to have two horns. This unique feature sets them apart from their continental cousins. The presence of two horns is thought to be an ancestral trait, retained from their Ice Age relatives.
Conservation Efforts Include Breeding Programmes
To help save the species from extinction, conservationists have established captive breeding programmes. These efforts have led to several successful births, offering a glimmer of hope for the species’ future. Advanced reproductive technologies, including artificial insemination, are also being explored to boost breeding success.
Meet the Wolf Spider | One of Britain’s Biggest Spiders
Wolf spiders are a remarkable group of arachnids found across the UK and around the world. These agile hunters get their name from their wolf-like hunting style, actively chasing down prey rather than spinning webs. With their large eyes and hairy bodies, wolf spiders might look intimidating, but they’re actually quite beneficial to gardens and homes. These spiders help control pest populations and are generally harmless to humans. From their unique parenting techniques to their impressive hunting skills, wolf spiders are full of surprises.
Read More: Meet the Wolf Spider | One of Britain’s Biggest Spiders
Modern Sea Monsters | 15 Massive Marine Mammals Still Roaming Our Oceans
The oceans of our planet are home to some of the most awe-inspiring creatures on Earth. These marine mammals, with their enormous size and incredible adaptations, seem alien or prehistoric. But an actual up-close interaction with one of these incredible creatures is life-changing. Their lives and sheer size might be unfathomable, but their intelligence and magnificence is clear for all to see. From the largest animal to ever exist to deep-diving behemoths with teeth as big as your arm, these creatures are awe-inspiring and remind us why we need to do more to save our oceans before it’s too late.
Read More: Modern Sea Monsters | 15 Massive Marine Mammals Still Roaming Our Oceans
Becky is a fervent wildlife enthusiast and pet care expert with a diploma in canine nutrition. Her love for animals stretches beyond the domestic, embracing the wild tapestry of global fauna. With over a decade of experience in animal welfare, Becky lends her expertise to OutlandishOwl through insightful articles, captivating wildlife information, and invaluable guidance on pet nutrition. Her work embodies a deep commitment to understanding the intricate lives of animals and a passion for educating others on sustaining natural habitats. Becky's hands-on conservation efforts and her knack for translating complex dietary science into practical pet feeding tips make her an indispensable voice for creatures great and small.
