There are in Burma two species for certain, viz., the larger and single-horned variety of the Burmans, R. sondaicus, Kyan-hsin or Pyan-hsin (elephant-rhinoceros) and the lesser double-horned, R. sumatrensis, Kyan. On the authority of the late Dr. Mason, Kyan is the generic term in Burma for a rhinoceros, signifying `to be firm in structure and mind.' They are known to the Karens as Ta-do or Ta-do-khaw, and to the Shans as Sawon.
Ta-do-khaw
Ta-do
Mason in his work on Burma, Volume 1, page 451, writes thus: `The common single horned rhinoceros is very abundant. Though often seen on the uninhabited banks of large rivers as the Tenasserim, they are fond of ranging the mountains, and I have frequently met with their wallowing places on the banks of mountain streams two or three thousand feet above the plains.' During the past twenty years at least, and in spite of most guns having been withdrawn, I do not think anyone in the province would consider either species abundant or common, or even miderately so anywhere. If they are still so it must be in tracts inaccessible and little visited by Europeans. It is probable that, confining themselves as they often do to localized areas, four to six or even a couple wandering over such, by crossing and recrossing, would make numerous tracks in many directions and this, taken in conjunction with the fact that in such areas pools and wallows would be met with which they had entered, might without due consideration lead to the impression that rhinoceroses are abundant. I believe, however, that in the aggregate there is a fair number of animals scattered over the country. So far I am under the impression that R. sumatrensis is the more common. During a residence of several years I can only recollect some eight or nine specimens of R. sumatrensis and two of R. sondaicus being shot by European sportsmen. This cannot be said to be a large number if we consider the many Europeans who tour about the country on duty, prospecting, or in search of heavy game. In several instances the specimens of sumatrensis were come on unexpectedly, i.e., the lucky individuals who were on the march or in pursuit of other game were unaware that rhino were to be found anywhere in their proximity. Some experience of the class of country they are most likely to be found in, leads me to the belief that as far as their pursuit goes, they are likely to enjoy immunity from annoyance, except from a few of the more ardent sportsmen.
Rhinoceros sondaicus. I remember an instance in which one was killed while crossing the Tenasserim.
The night, early morning and evening is spent wandering about grazing, etc., and during the day they lie up in shade on the hillsides or on the top of the ridges above the streams.
Kyan-hsin
they do not fear elephants or tigers.
Sawon
In the cool weather they may wander a good deal as also during the rains, ranging along the ridges and visiting the head waters of streams. During the rainy season R. sumatrensis certainly tours through the lower-lying country, as their tracks are to be met with within, in some places, three or four miles off the railway. They do not, I think, remain for any length of time, but come down only in search kinds of fodder not obtainable at other times.
Kyan
Pyan-hsin
They appear to be of a restless disposition and at times given to wandering a distance from their accustomed haunts. Perhaps the most interesting feature about these creatures is the astounding way in which they ascend and descend the steepest of hill-sides. In fact the steeper the gradient the more it would appear to appeal to them. As for many of the descents into the beds of streams, they are quite in the nature of slides. For a human being, certainly, a leather seat would be of greater help to him than anything else. It is equally surprising how they ever manage to climb over some of the rocky places one meets with, yet they do. They are the most difficult animals I have ever attempted to follow. I thought serow and goral quite bad enough, but rhinoceros, I think, can give them points. The Burmans attribute their agility to the fact of their possessing three large separate claws or hoofs. In descending, only the centre one is in use, the lateral ones being employed as brakes. Going over rocks, ledges, etc., one or more toes may be employed. One thing is certain, viz. that Karens and Burmans are as much astonished as we are at the way they get over seemingly impossible ground.
Both species in this country show a decided preference for hilly tracts and even mountainous country. In the hot season they are invariably found in hilly or mountainous country, by no means necessarily well wooded, but where shade is sufficient. They rarely range far from the perennial streams in which there are usually numerous pools of cool water and abundant shade. Those streams with rocky and shingly beds are preferred. The feeder streams or gullies are also worth visiting. They are extremely partial to water and enter the pools during the night and also visit them during of the day. In suitable places there are regular mud baths or wallows, some large and patronized by elephants, etc., and others much smaller.
Their most acute sense appears to be that of smell, and, I think, they rely much more on it than sight or hearing. Making a certain amount of noise, walking through the jungle, will not always disturb them, and they assuredly are not very quick of sight, but the faintest puff of wind is more than enough.
Burma. Burmans and others could afford no information of value as to the period of gestation. I have only twice come on the tracks of young rhinoceroses evidently at heel, and these in January.
I have met with tracks of both varieties at considerable elevations, especially in places infrequently visited by men.
they do not fear elephants or tigers.
Burma. The track of a rhinoceros is unmistakable. The presence of the impress of three claw marks is sufficient, that of sondaicus differing only from sumatrensis in size.
Measurements of R. sumatrensis, male. Girth fore-arm, 28 ? inches
They visit the pools singly or may be found two together, usually a bull and cow.
The habit of depositing its ordure in one place as attributed to the African species and R.indicus, does not apply to these rhinoceroses, that is, if it is understood to mean that this is a place repeatedly visited for that purpose. Small heaps or mounds, perhaps the droppings of a week, may be found on the hillsides, where they lie up daily. But as a general rule, I do not think they can be at all particular in the matter, as one habitually finds single droppings on their tracks on the sides of hills, ridges etc, ,and an abundance of them scattered about in the beds of streams. If the pools in which they lie be disturbed one has rapid olfactory evidence that they contain more than a small quantity of their droppings. In appearance they are much the same as that of an elephant.
They are extremely partial to water and enter the pools during the night and also visit them during of the day. In suitable places there are regular mud baths or wallows, some large and patronized by elephants, etc., and others much smaller. They evidently enjoy rolling in wet mud as much as buffaloes and hogs do. They visit the pools singly or may be found two together, usually a bull and cow.
Measurements of R. sumatrensis, male. Length nose to dock, 98 inches
I have heard it said and believe it is recorded that rhinoceroses cannot swim. In common with many popular ideas it is a pure fallacy. They swim well, crossing rivers,. etc., when they desire to do so. I remember an instance in which one was killed while crossing the Tenasserim. It is unnecessary to enter into a description of these animals as this may be found in various books on Natural History.
Measurements of R. sumatrensis, male Length of anterior horn, 7 1/8 inches Length of posterior horn, 3 ? inches
Measurements of R. sumatrensis, male. Height at shoulder (between uprights), 52 ? inches
Burmans and Chinamen place a very high value on the horn and blood of rhinoceroses as medicinal articles. Wherein their virtues as drugs lie I do not know, but they are supposed to be most potent, especially in all diseases not yielding to ordinary drugs. I expect their fictitious powers are derived from the fact that, like the milk of a tigress or liver of crocodile and such other materials, they are not easily get-at-able nor always at hand to include in prescriptions. The local doctor, in the event of his patient doing badly, can always save his reputation by claiming that if he had some of these potent remedies, he could still effect a cure. After hitting a rhinoceros, if he is considered to be 'in extremis', the tracker and any followers are down on him like vultures, the first thing, an all important business, being to plug any bullet holes in order to save as much blood as possible. If any be escaping rapidly from a wound a bamboo is there ready to receive it. Any blood that is on the ground and lost, occasions some grief. The blood is carried in lengths of bowel and thoroughly dried over a fire so as to resemble those queer articles of diet popularly known as 'black puddings.' It is sold at the rate of a rupee for every rupee in weight.
Burma. The flesh of these animals is said by Burmans, etc., to be very good. A friend of mine declares it is so and that the liver is perhaps better than that of some other animals. I have not tried any myself being contented with ordinary fare.
Measurements of R. sumatrensis, male. Tail (docked), 13 ? inches
Measurements of R. sumatrensis, male. Girth behind shoulder, 85 inches, 86 inches.
Measurements of R. sumatrensis, male. Length of ears, 7 ? inches.
Measurements of R. sumatrensis, male. Length of head, 32 inches
