20-30 in the North
20 in north Sumatra, Dicerorhinus sumatrensis
24-50
26
The food of both species is probably very similar, consisting principally of small twigs. These twigs are often obtained by felling small saplings, sometimes by a most peculiar technique of twisting the trunk. The Sumatran rhino is also known to eat fruits and, as it does not digest the seeds, the animal is probably significant in seed dispersal. The young saplings of fruit trees are often found growing from piles of rhino dung.
Both species of Southeast Asian rhino can probably live in almost any kind of topography. They probably once inhabited much of the swampy lowlands and wet highlands of our area, but have been forced exclusively to the most inaccessible mountain forests by the pressure of human agriculture and hunting. Our rhinos prefer fairly cool areas with much shade. It is certain that they must live in very wet areas, as wallowing seems absolutely necessary to their health. They seem to have no very unique food requirements and could probably find nourishment in almost any natural area that meets their other requirements. They seem to require a rather large area in which to roam and forage and in some cases they make rather long seasonal movements. Without proper protection, an absolutely necessary requirement is inaccessibility to man, their only, but very formidable, enemy. All conditions which make hunting difficult are necessary. It should be remembered that very little is known about either Southeast Asian species of rhino and that there may be sorre very important habitat requirements, especially those concerning reproduction, that are totally unknown. Sanctuaries for the rhino must be very wet, at least in part, for the entire year and during the most severe droughts. They should include a fairly large area. The minimum size probably depends mostly on the seasonal availability of water and the quantity of edible twigs and fruits, but some other unknown factors may be important. The rather small but wet reserve of Udjung Kulon in Java seems to be adequate. Probably the most difficult decision that must be made concerning a sanctuary involves the prevention of poaching. The ideal situation is a well-policed and very inaccessible area. Inaccessibility and good policing is, however, a difficult combination to achieve, so a compromise must usually be made. From past experience it may be safely concluded that not even the most difficult terrain will stop a determined poacher. Considering the very large amount of money that can be made from i single rhino, we must have many very determined poachers in our area. Therefore, no sanctuary should be considered adequate without some degree of continuous good policing.
A recent report from Vietnam confirms the fact that there is almost certainly a small group of rhinos, possibly Javan, in that country.
The posterior horn of the Sumatran rhino is often so poorly developed as to be invisible in the field.
Like all rhinos, both the Javan and Sumatran species are principally nocturnal animals. They move about only when it is cool, spending the hot part of the day resting in the shade or in mud wallows.
sumatrensis has been known to attain the age of 47 years in captivity.
Both Sumatran and javan rhinos appear to move over fairly large areas during their daily travels. They move in search of food and between their favorite wallowing places and salt-licks. In some cases these rhinos are known to make rather long seasonal migrations, living in naturally dry areas during the wet season and in naturally wet areas in the dry season.
Neither species seems to use its horns as the principal instrument of defense, relying more on the pointed lower tusks, which are said to be capable of inflicting very severe gashes.
Neither species seems to use its horns as the principal instrument of defense, relying more on the pointed lower tusks, which are said to be capable of inflicting very severe gashes.
The existence of this rhino in Thailand along the Tenasserium Range on the Thai-Burmese border is certain but no estimate of numbers has been made.
They probably exist in several areas in Malaya and are fairly well protected at the newly established Slim River Reserve.
Rhinos are basically nocturnal animals avoiding exercise during the heat of the day. While it is hot they usually remain in the shade or in mud wallows. Like all rhinos, both the Javan and Sumatran species are principally nocturnal animals. They move about only when it is cool, spending the hot part of the day resting in the shade or in mud wallows.
Like all rhinos, the Southeast Asian species have acute senses of smell and hearing but very poor vision.
One of the most controversial subjects concerning the rhino is in relation to their temperament. Some species, particularly those in Africa, are said to be very dangerous, charging unpredictably and with little provocation. They are known to have attacked automobiles and in some cases to have overturned them. It is generally agreed, however, that rhinos are very timid creatures. Their attacks, in fact, are sometimes explained as being motivated by extreme fright. There appear to be great differences between species and even within species and in single individuals under different circumstances and during different seasons.
It is only certain that the javan rhino exists in one small area:the 117 square-mile reserve of Udjung Kulon in Java. It is estimated that 24-50 individuals exist there and, if poaching is prevented, they may be safe.
Both the Javan one-horned rhino and the Sumatran two-horned rhino are generally forest dwelling animals. The Javan rhino seems rather less adapted to steep terrain and lives mostly in low swampy areas or in more gradually sloped wet mountain forests. It is probable that both species were once common in lowland wet areas, but that they have been exterminated from these areas by man.
Both species are very timid and solitary creatures, being found together only when mating and in cases of a mother and calf. (A case javan rhinos traveling in a small group has, however, been reported from Vietnam.)
Rhinos are very ancient creatures. They appeared on earth many millions of years ago and developed as part of a great horde of animals called the odd-toed ungulates. Though this group of mammals flourished in the past, covering the earth with a great variety of animals including many types of rhinoceroses, it has today almost disappeared. For reasons that are very poorly understood, these odd-toed ungulates could not meet the requirements of a changing environment and only the families of rhinoceroses, horses, and tapirs have survived. By comparison, the even-toed ungulates, which followed a distinct but very similar path of evolution, are today represented by all oxen, goats, sheep, pigs, deer, antelope, camels, hippopotami and many other less commonly known groups. Since primitive times the ancestors of the horses have radically changed, developing long slender legs and hooves. It is not, in fact, until very recent times that the true horses appeared. The rhinos, however, have remained in a relatively primitive form, surviving by some unknown combination of characteristics eons of change in their environment, changes which have long since destroyed most of their near relatives, until very recently the rhinos have met a change which they will very likely not survive : the advent of ?civilized' man.
The present methods of protecting the rhino are inadequate. Hunting laws are extremely difficult to enforce because of the great profit that can be made poaching. The existing game preserves are inadequately staffed to protect against poaching. The natural habitats of the rhino are constantly being reduced by the ex- pansion of human agriculture. Beyond the establishment of properly staffed sanctuaries, the only adequate method of protecting our rhinos, and probably a necessary method, is legal reform on the part of the governments concerned. The sale and possession for the purpose of sale of any part of the rhino must be made illegal with severe punishments prescribed for violators. The urgency and necessity for such reforms must be emphasized immediately to all governments in Southeast Asia. It may also be considered necessary for many of the rhinos that are thinly scattered to be moved into a few good areas where they are adequately protected and in sufficient concen- tration to breed. Such a project has been proposed in Burma. Before many very effective protective measures can be taken, however, there must be more research done on both species of our rhino. It is essential that we have more information on their status and distribution, on their habitat requirements and on their mating behavior.
Today the rhino horn and many other parts of the body, including the feces and urine, are sold at extremely high prices as cures for various ailments. The powdered rhino horn is especially prized as a care for male sterility and for rejuvenation. There is no doubt that these superstitions are entirely unfounded. At times various substitutes have been sold in place of the rhino horn and the buyers were entirely satisfied until they later discovered the truth. Research on the rhino horn in Thailand has yielded nothing which would indicate that the horn has any medical value. The origins of these superstitions are difficult to determine. In part they probably arose from the unique features of the animal and later, from its rarity. There also seems to be some connection, probably European in origin, between the rhino and the mythical unicorn. The only physical similarity, however, seems to be the position of the horn. Magical properties were assigned to the horn of the unicorn and later transferred to the horn of the rhino. The horn was said to be capable of detecting poison, and so cups were made of rhino horn. If anything containing poison were put into such a cup, a violent bubbling was supposed to occur, neutralizing the poison. No doubt there were a number of owners of rhino cups whose less superstitious assassins saw their opportunity. It is unfortunate that they departed the earth unable to tell their stories and discredit the tales of magic. In Asia today, the parts of the rhino are used mainly for 'medical' purposes, though in India there seems to be some spiritual significance. The sale of the rhino horn seems to be carried out principally by rather small numbers of independent merchants, but the superstition is perpetuated by the ignorant people of all nationalities. Such practices can only be viewed with disgust, especially by people from outside our area. All parts of the world, of course, have their traditions of folk medicine, and some are no doubt useful. But in the case of the rhino preparations, there can be little doubt that it is simply a case of unscrupulous bussinessmen selling useless drugs at very high prices to the few people of our area that remain uneducated. It is certainly not becoming to the old and great cultures of Southeast Asia to allow such practices to continue, especially as they profit no one but a very few greedy persons who have no interest in the countries where they live.
Rhinos are basically nocturnal animals avoiding exercise during the heat of the day. While it is hot they usually remain in the shade or in mud wallows. Because of this habit of wallowing the color of rhinos seems to change from one location to another. The change is merely a change in the color of the mud.
Both species of Southeast Asian rhino can probably live in almost any kind of topography. They probably once inhabited much of the swampy lowlands and wet highlands of our area, but have been forced exclusively to the most inaccessible mountain forests by the pressure of human agriculture and hunting. Our rhinos prefer fairly cool areas with much shade. It is certain that they must live in very wet areas, as wallowing seems absolutely necessary to their health. They seem to have no very unique food requirements and could probably find nourishment in almost any natural area that meets their other requirements. They seem to require a rather large area in which to roam and forage and in some cases they make rather long seasonal movements. Without proper protection, an absolutely necessary requirement is inaccessibility to man, their only, but very formidable, enemy. All conditions which make hunting difficult are necessary. It should be remembered that very little is known about either Southeast Asian species of rhino and that there may be sorre very important habitat requirements, especially those concerning reproduction, that are totally unknown. Sanctuaries for the rhino must be very wet, at least in part, for the entire year and during the most severe droughts. They should include a fairly large area. The minimum size probably depends mostly on the seasonal availability of water and the quantity of edible twigs and fruits, but some other unknown factors may be important.
Both the Javan one-horned rhino and the Sumatran two-horned rhino are generally forest dwelling animals. The sumatran rhino seems to be well adapted to any wet habitat. It can thrive and is usually found in the steepest and most impenetrable mountain forests. It is probable that both species were once common in lowland wet areas, but that they have been exterminated from these areas by man. The apparent greater ability of the Sumatran rhino to adapt to areas inaccessible to man is possibly one reason for the greater number of this species alive today.
The food of both species is probably very similar, consisting principally of small twigs. These twigs are often obtained by felling small saplings, sometimes by a most peculiar technique of twisting the trunk. The Sumatran rhino is also known to eat fruits and, as it does not digest the seeds, the animal is probably significant in seed dispersal. The young saplings of fruit trees are often found growing from piles of rhino dung.
They can move over rocky and steep terrain with an ease that astounds many observers. In dense vegetation they move with relative ease by burrowing underneath the vegetation rather than charging over it like elephants. Using such a burrowing technique they make many well-worn tunnels through the vegetation around their most frequented areas. When following these tunnels they move concealed from sight and with very little noise.
There was one reported case in which there was evidence of two male Sumatran rhinos fighting over one female rhino.
In general appearance the Javan rhino has more folded skin than the Sumatran rhino. The skin is coarse in both species.
In general appearance the Javan rhino has more folded skin than the Sumatran rhino. The Javan rhino is characterized by the folds on the rump and by the saddle-shaped piece of skin covering the back of the neck. The skin is coarse in both species and is marked by a cracked mosaic pattern in the Javan rhino.
The food of both species is probably very similar, consisting principally of small twigs. These twigs are often obtained by felling small saplings, sometimes by a most peculiar technique of twisting the trunk. The Sumatran rhino is also known to eat fruits and, as it does not digest the seeds, the animal is probably significant in seed dispersal. The young saplings of fruit trees are often found growing from piles of rhino dung.
Rhinos are basically nocturnal animals avoiding exercise during the heat of the day. While it is hot they usually remain in the shade or in mud wallows. Because of this habit of wallowing the color of rhinos seems to change from one location to another. The change is merely a change in the color of the mud.
The food of both species is probably very similar, consisting principally of small twigs. These twigs are often obtained by felling small saplings, sometimes by a most peculiar technique of twisting the trunk. The Sumatran rhino is also known to eat fruits and, as it does not digest the seeds, the animal is probably significant in seed dispersal. The young saplings of fruit trees are often found growing from piles of rhino dung.
The posterior horn of the Sumatran rhino is often so poorly developed as to be invisible in the field.
In general appearance the Javan rhino has more folded skin than the Sumatran rhino. The skin is coarse in both species.
In general appearance the Javan rhino has more folded skin than the Sumatran rhino. The Javan rhino is characterized by the folds on the rump and by the saddle-shaped piece of skin covering the back of the neck. The skin is coarse in both species and is marked by a cracked mosaic pattern in the Javan rhino.
In the female Javan rhino the single horn is always poorly developed or totally absent.
Both Sumatran and Javan rhinos appear to move over fairly large areas during their daily travels. They move in search of food and between their favorite wallowing places and salt-licks. In some cases these rhinos are known to make rather long seasonal migrations, living in naturally dry areas during the wet season and in naturally wet areas in the dry season. There are also stories of javan rhinos moving over thousands of miles. One old hunter in Vietnam found a musket ball in a rhino which he was certain the animal received in Bengal. Considering the climatic and cultural conditions in this region, however, it hardly seems possible that a rhino could find a suitable and safe corridor between two such distant places.
Both species are very timid and solitary creatures. The renowned bad temper and ferocity of the African species seems to be totally lacking in both the Javan and Sumatran rhinos. There are stories of Sumatran rhinos charging humans, but this has been attributed by most experienced observ- ers to extreme fright. The animal, having poor vision, may flee directly toward the man from whom it is trying to escape.
Rhinos usually travel alone except in cases of a mating couple or a cow and calf. The calf is slow in maturing and travels with its mother for many years, even longer than may obviously seem necessary. Both species are very timid and solitary creatures, being found together only when mating and in cases of a mother and calf.
The Southeast Asian species of rhino possess some quite peculiar characteristics which need special study. Among these is the periodically reported habit of always returning to one or two places to defecate so that large piles of dung are built up.
Wallowing seems to be absolutely necessary to both species and is probably the reason for their always living in wet areas. Wallowing seems to serve the functions of cooling the animal, keeping the skin wet, and protecting the skin against the many parasites that attack the animal.
The Southeast Asian species of rhino possess some quite peculiar characteristics which need special study. Among these is the reported ability of the Sumatran rhino to swim over long distances to off-shore islands.
The large bulky appearance of the rhinos would give one the impression that rhinos are clumsy animals but this is most certainly not true. Rhinos can run with speed and agility though they lack the endurance of their relatives the horses. They can move over rocky and steep terrain with an ease that astounds many observers.
Rhinos are usually credited with only very low intelligence, most articles on the subject using the word 'stupid'. There are again probably differences between the species. Persons who have spoored rhinos in Southeast Asia have testified that these animals are extremely clever and wily and often make some quite complex maneuvers to avoid their pursuers. The five species of living rhinos are thus quite different animals, even though they have similar external appearances. Each species probably represents a very long and separate path of evolution, diverging from a common ancestor very near the time when the family of rhinos first appeared on the earth.
The Southeast Asian species of rhino possess some quite peculiar characteristics which need special study. Among these is the peculiar anatomy of the penis of the Sumatran rhino and its habit of spraying the foliage with urine as it moves.
Fossil remains of what appear to be the ancestor of this species have been found in Asia. The Sumatran rhino, however, seems to be most closely related to fossil remains found in western Europe and is probably an immigrant from that area.
SE Asia. Today the rhino horn and many other parts of the body, including the feces and urine, are sold at extremely high prices as cures for various ailments.
Of the mating habits, care of the young and gestation period almost nothing is known. It is also fairly certain that the calf of both species travels with its mother for many years but the exact length of the period is not known.
In Asia today, the parts of the rhino are used mainly for 'medical' purposes, though in India there seems to be some spiritual significance.
Height at shoulder 170 cm
Height at shoulder 130 cm
