The smallest of the Asian elephants, the Sumatran elephant is facing serious pressures arising from illegal logging and habitat loss from palm oil plantations.
Sumatran elephant
Sumatran forest elephant (Elephas maximus sumatrensis) bathing, Gunung Leseur National Park, Sumatra, Indonesia
Key Facts
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Common name
Sumatran elephant
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Scientific name
Elephas maximus sumatranus
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Location
Sumatra, western Indonesia
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Population
Approximately 2,400 to 2,800 individuals
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Status
Critically endangered
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.Size: 1.7-2.6 m at the shoulder
Colour: Lightest of all Asian elephants
Living close to rivers
Sumatran elephants are found in lowland forest close to rivers, although they may also be found in hill forests on a seasonal basis.Diet
The Sumatran elephant feeds on green vegetation and may eat up to 200 kg of food a day, namely bananas, ginger, young bamboo and leaves of a variety of vines.
Population & distribution
Sumatran elephants were once widespread on Sumatra. Today, however, the subspecies only survives highly fragmented populations. Within the last 25 years, the elephants have lost 70% of their habitat.What are the main threats?
As for all subspecies of Asian elephants, the Sumatran elephant is threatened by poaching and habitat loss. According to IUCN, 85% of the animal's remaining habitat is unprotected and likely to be converted for agriculture or other purposes.Specific problems are associated with forest conversion to plantation development. As forests shrink, elephants are increasingly closer to fields and cultivated land, generating conflict with humans that often results in the death of the elephants by poisoning or capture, as well as economic losses to humans.
Sumatran elephant (Elephas maximus sumatrensis).
Priority Region
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
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
What is WWF doing?
We are working with partners in Sumatra to prevent destruction of forest habitat and secure well-managed protected areas and wider forest landscapes connected by corridors.Our work to conserve Sumatran elephant habitat focuses on the island's central Riau province - an area with one of the fastest rates of deforestation in Indonesia.
By carrying out research on elephants and the nature of the conflicts, and working with local communities and companies, WWF is developing solutions that ensure living space for both humans and elephants.
Successes to date include:
- Brokering the first-ever, island-wide commitment to protect Sumatra’s natural forests
- Partnering with the Indonesian government to establish Tesso Nilo National Park to protect critical elephant habitat. WWF’s continued research and advocacy resulted in the government doubling the size of the national park in 2008.
» More on our elephant work in Riau, Sumatra
» WWF Asian Rhinos and Elephants Action Strategy (AREAS)
How you can help
- Don't buy ivory products. Illegal trade in elephant ivory is a continuing problem, posing one of the greatest threats to elephants today.
- Use and support sustainable wood, paper and palm oil. By purchasing certified sustainable palm oil and FSC-certified forest products, retailers, traders, and manufacturers help protect Asian elephant habitat by limiting illegal logging and forest conversion to oil palm plantations. Consumers can also help by demanding certified products.
- Adopt an elephant: WWF-US & International | WWF-UK | WWF-Canada
- Donate to WWF to support the Asian Rhino and Elephant Action Strategy
- Spread the word! Click on the button to share this information with others via email or your favourite social networking service.
