Sumatran Elephant
IUCN
CR
Basic Information
Scientific classification
- name：Sumatran Elephant
- Scientific Name：Elephas maximus sumatranus
- Outline：Proboscidea
- Family：Elephantidae Elephas
Vital signs
- length：Shoulder height 2.0–3.0 m; head–body up to ~6 m
- Weight：2,000–4,000 kg (bulls heavier)
- lifetime：60–70 years (lower in high‑risk areas)
Feature
Smallest Asian elephant; keystone seed disperser; matriarchal family groups; high HEC risk near farms.
Distribution and Habitat
Sumatran lowland/peat‑swamp forests, riverine corridors, forest–agriculture mosaics
Appearance
Shoulder height usually 2.0–3.0 m; relatively stocky with rounded ears; trunk tip with one finger‑like projection; smaller tusks (females often tuskless).
Details
Sumatran elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus) is the smallest living Asian elephant, confined to the island of Sumatra. Rapid conversion of lowland rainforest to plantations and infrastructure has driven severe population declines. The subspecies is listed asCritically Endangered (CR), with herds isolated in shrinking forest blocks and human–elephant conflict a daily challenge.
Range & Habitat
Patchy across Sumatra in protected areas and surrounding forest mosaics, from lowland dipterocarp and peat‑swamp forests to riverine corridors and cultivated edges.
Ecology
Mixed feeder on grasses, bamboo, fruits and bark; a key seed disperser. Family groups are matriarch‑led; seasonal movements follow water and fresh forage.
Reproduction
Breeding age ~10–12 years; gestation ~22 months; single calf; calving interval typically 4–6 years.
Threats & Conservation
Habitat loss/fragmentation from agriculture (including oil‑palm) and roads.
Human–elephant conflict (crop loss, retaliatory killing), snares and occasional poaching.
Small, isolated herds vulnerable to inbreeding.
Priority actions: secure corridors, anti‑poaching patrols, conflict mitigation (early‑warning, fencing/bee & chili deterrents), translocations only as last resort, and community partnerships.
FAQ
Q1. How is the Sumatran elephant different from other Asian elephants?
It is smaller‑bodied with shorter tusks and more rounded ears; it is restricted to Sumatra.
Q2. Why is it Critically Endangered?
Accelerated habitat loss and fragmentation, intense human–elephant conflict and occasional poaching of bulls.
Q3. What helps reduce conflict with farms?
Early‑warning patrols, fencing with bee/chili deterrents, safe corridors and community compensation schemes.
Similar animals
African Forest Elephant
I. Physical CharacteristicsAfrican forest elephants are smaller and more compact than savanna elephants, with rounder ears and a relatively straight backline. Their tusks are thinner, straighter, and often pale pink (due to differences in ivory quality), with the difference in appearance more pronou...
African savanna elephant
The name of the African elephant was given by Baron George Couvier (Johann Friedrich Blumenbach) in 1825. Because its molars have diamond-shaped crowns, the genus name of the African elephant, "Loxodonta", evolved from the word "losange". It is produced in Africa and lives in a v...
Sumatran Elephant
Sumatran elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus) is the smallest living Asian elephant, confined to the island of Sumatra.Rapid conversion of lowland rainforest to plantations and infrastructure has driven severe population declines. The subspecies is listed asCritically Endangered (CR), with herds...
woolly mammoth
Table of ContentsIntroduction: The Woolly Mammoth’s LegacyWhat is a Woolly Mammoth?Physical Characteristics of the Woolly MammothWoolly Mammoth’s Habitat and Life During the Ice AgeExtinction: What Happened to the Woolly Mammoth?The Fascinating Science of Woolly Mammoth FossilsModern Research: Can...
asian elephant
Asian elephants are giant herbivoresFood,The staple food is bamboo shoots, young leaves, wild plantains and palm leaf reeds, etc. In the morning, evening and night, Asian elephants will go out to forage. They mainly eat grass, leaves, buds and bark. Asian elephants also eat crops such as bananas and...
Email: jsset668#gmail.com (change # to @) Please indicate your purpose of visit! Guangdong ICP No. 2022053326 XML| map| Chinese
