About two months ago, in late November 2023. many worldwide news platforms covered the news that a rare cub of the Sumatran rhinoceros was born in a national park in Indonesia, and it is the second cub of an endangered species that was born in that park this year.
So, here is a short explanation of these critically endangered animals:
The Sumatran rhinoceros is the smallest and rarest of the five living rhino species. It is found only on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo in Indonesia. Sumatran rhinos are known for their thick, reddish-brown fur. They have two horns, with the front horn much larger than the back horn. The horns are made of keratin, the same material as nails and hair.
Sumatran rhinos are herbivores and feed on leaves, branches, and grass. They are solitary animals and spend most of their time foraging for food and water. They are endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, and trade in horns. It is estimated that there are fewer than 80 Sumatran rhinos left in the wild.
Factors contributing to the endangerment of the Sumatran rhino:
– Horn trade: Sumatran horns are highly prized on the black market and are often sold for large sums of money.
– Habitat loss: Sumatran rhinos live in dense forests, which are being rapidly destroyed due to deforestation and development.
– Poaching: Sumatran rhinos are still targeted by poachers for their horns, which are used as medicine in traditional regional medicines.
What people can do to help the Sumatran rhino:
Educating about the importance of protecting the Sumatran rhino.
Support organizations that are working to protect the Sumatran rhino.
Avoid buying products that contain rhino horns.
