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Sumatran Elephant
Imagine your home being converted into plantations...
Common Name: Sumatran elephant; (Fr); Elefante de Sumatra (Sp)
Scientific Name: Elephas maximus sumatrensis
Habitat: Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Location: Sumatra, western Indonesia
Population: Approx. 2,440 to 3,350 individuals
Background
© WWF-Canon / Paul FORSTER
The Sumatran elephant, the smallest of the Asian elephants, is facing serious pressures arising from illegal logging and associated habitat loss and fragmentation in Indonesia. The island's elephant population has come under increasing threat from rapid forest conversion to plantations. As forests shrink, elephants are increasingly closer to fields and cultivated land, generating conflict with humans that often result in the death of the elephants by poisoning or capture, as well as economic losses to humans.
In February 1999, WWF's Asian Rhinos and Elephants Action Strategy (AREAS) began establishing a "safe haven" for one of the largest remaining populations of the Sumatran elephant in Riau, Sumatra.
By carrying out research on elephants and the nature of the conflicts, and working with local communities and companies, WWF intends to develop solutions that ensure living space for both humans and elephants. A major breakthrough has been achieved with the 2004 declaration of Tesso Nilo National Park in Riau, a significant step towards the protection of the elephant's habitat.
Physical Description
Sumatran elephants are the smallest of the Asian elephants. Males rarely develop long tusks, while those of adult females may be so short that they are hidden by the upper lip. This elephant can live up to 70 years in captivity, less in the wild.
Size
Adult Sumatran elephants can reach 1.7-2.6 m at the shoulder.
Colour
This species is the lightest in colour of all Asian elephants.
Habitat
Major habitat type
Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Biogeographic realm
Indo-Malayan
Range States
Indonesia
Geographical Location
Sumatra, western Indonesia
Ecological Region
Sumatran Islands Lowland and Montane Forests
Danger Watch
A species relative risk of extinction, as determined by the IUCN - The World Conservation Union. More
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Extinct
No reasonable doubt that the last individual has died.
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Extinct in the Wild
Known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalized population.
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Critically Endangered
Facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
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Endangered
Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
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Vulnerable
Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
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Near Threatened
Likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future.
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Least Concern
Does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endagnered, Vulnerable or Near Threatened
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