Tun Yin, U, 1956. Rhinoceros in the Kachin State. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 53 (4): 692-694
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| Location: |
Asia - South East Asia - Myanmar (Burma) |
| Subject: |
Culture |
| Species: |
Asian Rhino Species |
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Burma - fire-eating rhino. The writer therefore enquired of the Assistent Resident Kamaing whether the number 30 as estimated by the Kayang-Ok was not high. The Assistent Resident replied in February 1956:
(1) The estimate is reasonable;
(2) The rhinos in the area are the Asiatic two-horned rhinoceros;
(3) A white rhino was shot in the area some thirty years ago;
(4) Fresh tracks of rhino calves have not been reported;
(5) The rhinoceros in the area are angerous and 'from distance' when they see fire-smoke, they use to charge.
The same belief is held by Karens, see an extract from 'Burma' by Rev. F. Mason 1882, pp. 451-452.
'The Southern Karens say there is a third species of rhinoceros in the jungles, which is distinguished from both the others by its skin being covered with small tubercles, and above all by its eating fire. Wherever it sees fire, it runs up and devours it immediately. I once lost my way among the hills and valleys of Palaw and Katay, and on obtaining a Karen, who lived in that region for a guide, he laid special charge on every member of the party to follow him in silence, for a fire eating rhinoceros had ben recently seen, and it always came to noises, instead of fleeing from them as most animals do.
The habit of attacking a fire and trampling it out (the eating part of the performance being probably an embellishment) may have originated in the sagacity of the animal or to the mixed operation of fear and rage combined, as a savage dog will pursue and bite the stone thrown at it; an in time an act wholly unconnected with the natural economy of the animal, and developed by an accidental circumstance, may by the operation of the laws of heredity, have become cobverted into an instinct. This idea receives some support from the behaviour of bees When preparing to smoke off a swarm of bees from their comb in the jungle, especial care is taken by the Burmans not to allow the flame to rise, or to 'crackle' as the bees are said to be at once aroused to fury by the sound of the flames, and to attack every one within reach. Doubtless experience has taught them the danger to their home which attends a crackling fire in the wood, and they at once resort to a weapon of offence with which they are provided. A rhinoceros is actuated by precisely the same sentiment, and he rushes to the detested fire and tramples it beneath his feet as he would a living enemy.'
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Rhinoceros in the Kachin State
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