The Sumatran elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus) is a subspecies of the Asian elephant that only lives on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. The Sumatran elephant is smaller than the Indian elephant subspecies.
Its population is now decreasing and it is a very threatened species. Around 2000 to 2700 Sumatran elephants are left in the wild based on a survey in 2000. (Wikipedia)
As many as 65% of the Sumatran elephant population died as a result of being killed by humans, and 30% were likely killed by poisoning by humans. About 83% of Sumatran elephant habitat has become plantation areas due to aggressive encroachment.
The Sumatran elephant is the largest mammal in Indonesia, weighing up to 6 tonnes and growing as tall as 3.5 meters at the shoulder. The gestation period for a Sumatran elephant is 22 months with an average age of up to 70 years.
This giant herbivore is very intelligent and has a bigger brain compared to other land mammals. Sizable ears help the elephant hear properly and help reduce body heat. The trunk is used to obtain food and water by grasping or grasping the end which is used like a finger to scoop up.
Photo by Ariful Usman (@arfa)
Location: Aceh, Southeast Asia