Sumatran elephants are a critically endangered and rare species. But they are also gifted. It’s their intelligence that makes them so special.
What Makes the Sumatran Elephant Unique
The Sumatran or Asian elephant, also known as Sundan Elephant, is a sub-Saharan African species: the only Andean member of the family Odotheroidae. And, just like all other elephants, they’re incredibly large. Females can measure up to 9 to 11 feet in length and males rise to 12 feet tall at the shoulders. Sumatran elephants have tusks made of elephant ivory that reach 8–10 cm in length. They weigh up to 3,000 kg and can live up to 48 years in the wild. However, they are nearly extinct in the wild. Eleven different sub-species have been documented living in the wild of Indonesia. Many are thought to have become extinct since the beginning of the European settlement of the region. Sumatran elephants are also the smallest subspecies of Asian elephants. They are native to Sumatra Island, one of the Sunda Islands in Indonesia and are among the largest land mammals. They are one of the most intelligent creatures on Earth. They also have a great memory, but need enough space to thrive and prefer lowland habitats. There are only a few thousand left. They are the smallest and most notoriously shy of the large herbivores of their island home. It is due to their species-defining intelligence, however, that sets them apart. They move their trunk around without being observed, allowing them to feed seemingly unseen under the canopy of their forest home. What’s more, the social life of these giants is some of the most fascinating to study. They’re known for their complex and sometimes bizarre social organization. They collaborate in huge groups, ranging up to 30 strong. When these massive animals mature, they get together with their older siblings, and the whole herd becomes one family unit. Sumatran elephants are an important part of the ecosystem, as they help keep trees and their growth healthy. They consume a variety of plants and seeds while travelling in search of food. As they feed in different areas, these animals help preserve the biodiversity
Why is the Sumatran Elephant Endangered?
The Sumatran elephant population has seen a sharp decline in the past decade, and is now critically endangered. This has mainly been attributed to habitat loss and human-elephant conflict. Sumatra has experienced a high rate of deforestation, which has resulted in local elephant extinctions in many areas. Sumatran elephants need large spaces to roam and search for food. Currently, 70% of their natural habitat has been taken away in a generation, hurting their chances for survival. Over the years, Sumatra’s Riau province has witnessed rapid deforestation due to the rise of pulp & paper industries and oil palm plantations. These industries have had a drastic effect on elephant population with their numbers declining by 80% in less than 25 years. With the rapid deforestation rates in Sumatra, elephants often enter human settlements and damage crops and homes. When they do so, people can retaliate by poisoning or shooting them. The illegal poaching of male Asian elephants has led to such a skewed gender ratio for the species that it’s becoming harder and harder to find potential mates. The current population is now at 2,400 – 2,800 which is quite worrisome for conservationists.
What Can We Do to Help Them?
You can help save the Sumatran Elephant by sharing their story with friends and family. It takes a lot of time and effort to protect a species that is highly endangered, but every little effort counts. Also consider donating your time or money to conservation efforts.