As far back as 1850, or thereabouts, the late Rev. F. Mason recorded that `The common single-horned rhinoceros is very abundant. Though often seen in the uninhabited banks of large rivers, such as the Tenasserim, thet are also fond of ranging the mountains.' It is not so long since this was written; and yet now, after a lapse of just a century, this species of rhino is so scarce that one could almost count the surviving individuals on one's fingers. It has become, without doubt, one of the rarest large mammals in the world. A rough and reasonable estimate of the possible grand total of rhinoceros existing in Burma is: Shwe U Daung, 5 Arakan, 6 Pegu Yomas, 5 Kahilu, 3 Uyu drainage, 5 Tenasserim, 5 Other areas, 7 Total 36
During my hot weather tour of the sanctuary in 1948, I estimated that there were probably 4 to 5 individuals of this rare species living in the area.
The Kahilu Sanctuary in Thaton Division, 62 square miles in extent, was originally instituted for the protection of Rhinoceros sondaicus (one horned variety). Doubt exists whether this species still thrives. The pre-war official figure was in the neighbourhood of six specimens. They are fond of eating chilli crops and do some damage to taungyas, when they roam out of range.
In addition to the above locations, Rhinoceros have been seen during post-war years in the Arakan Division in the neighbourhood of Paletwa and Myohaung, in the Central Pegu Yomas, and in the Bhamo Division.
The Pidaung Game Sanctuary near Myitkyina, 279 square miles in extent. It is not a rhinoceros preserve, but the rhinoceros are known to migrate there from the Uyu Drainage. Game in this sanctuary suffered heavily during the last war.
There are indications that rhinoceros also wander between the Upper Chindwin and West Katha Divisions, they are known to exist in the Uyu Drainage.
In addition to the above locations, Rhinoceros have been seen during post-war years in the Arakan Division in the neighbourhood of Paletwa and Myohaung, in the Central Pegu Yomas, and in the Bhamo Division.
In addition to the above locations, Rhinoceros have been seen during post-war years in the Arakan Division in the neighbourhood of Paletwa and Myohaung, in the Central Pegu Yomas, and in the Bhamo Division.
There are indications that rhinoceros also wander between the Upper Chindwin and West Katha Divisions, they are known to exist in the Uyu Drainage.
Horn is used as aphrodisiac
Kyan-hsin
It is also possible that rhinoceros still exist in decreasing numbers in parts of the Shan plateau, especially in the Salween drainage.
The Shwe-u-Daung Game Sanctuary lies in East Katha and Mong Divisions (Mong Mit State) and is 81 square miles in extent, of which 46 sq. miles lies in the Shan State. It was previously constituted for the protection of Rhinoceros sumatrensis (double horned variety), elephant, bion, saing, sambur, serow, barking deer, pig, tiger, leopard and bear. The terrain rises from about 500 feet to over 6200 feet above sea level. The main object of the anctuary is to form a retreat and breeding place for Rhinoceros sumatrensis, and at the same time afford protection to the greatest number of indigenous fauna and flora. A secondary object is to make the sanctuary reasonably accessible to those desiring natural history. During my hot weather tour of the sanctuary in 1948, I estimated that there were probably 4 to 5 individuals of this rare species living in the area. A legend that the mountain `Nats' (spirits), 3 in number do not countenance shooting or poaching in the sanctuary is probably one of the chief deterrent factors in keeping these animals alive, though, during the Japanese occupation, poaching by unscruplous persons was common.
The Mulayit Game Sanctuary is in the Thaungyia Division. Rhinoceros are known to have wandered there from time to time.
Some appear to have a distaste for jungle fire, which they charge and trample.
Burma. It is estimated that the gestation period is about 30 weeks - it may be more.
They love frequent mud baths, rolling themselves for hours with lazy contentment in mud wallows as would a common village buffalo. These mud wallows are found on banks of streams in low terrain, and even on mountains heights above 5000 feet.
The Kahilu Sanctuary in Thaton Division, 62 square miles in extent, was originally instituted for the protection of Rhinoceros sondaicus (one horned variety). They are fond of eating chilli crops and do some damage to taungyas, when they roam out of range.
They love frequent mud baths, rolling themselves for hours with lazy contentment in mud wallows as would a common village buffalo. These mud wallows are found on banks of streams in low terrain, and even on mountains heights above 5000 feet.
In the Mong Mit Division, there is a popular belief that in the month of wazo (July), all rhinoceros in the Shwe-u-Daung congregate and meet at one particular 'aing' called the 'Wazo Aing' but this belief has not been tested out as yet.
Rhinoceros are known to be aggressive and charge on provocation to the extent of 'treeing' the huntsman and patiently awaiting his descent. They are, however, like other wild animals, very afraid of man, and will, on the slightest danger, retreat into impenetrable haunts.
