Ansell, W.F.H., 1947. A note on the position of rhinoceros in Burma. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 47 (2): 249-276, pl. 1, map 1
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| Location: |
Asia - South East Asia - Myanmar (Burma) |
| Subject: |
Taxonomy |
| Species: |
Asian Rhino Species |
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Salween Pigmy Rhinoceros. In the Game Warden's report of 1938 there is a reference to the supposed existence of a pygmy species of rhinoceros in the north of the Salween district [Burma]. A tooth found some years ago was said to resemble a wild boar tush, but was triangular in shape at the base. The Bombay Natural History Sociuety was not able to identify this tooth, but Sir Frank Colyer of the Royal College of Surgeons, London expressed the opinion that it was the lower incisor of a rhinoceros. The animal was described as 'about the size of a large wild boar, resembling an elephant in colour with scanty bristles on the hide which is thick and similar to that of an elephant. Head resembles that of a pig and carries no horn. Large tushes protrude upwards on either side of the jaw. Lives in dense jungle preferring hill tops, is very fierce and apt to attack on sight. Buries itself frequently in a muddy burrow during the hot weather.' Karen name is given as 'Ta Kheik'.
I imagine this animal to be on a par with the so-called 'Nandi-Bear' of East Africa, that is to say a kind of legendary and composite beast, probably based on the rhinoceros, in which have become mixed up other species such as the pig, tapir and possibly others.
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A note on the position of rhinoceros in Burma
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