sumatran elephant (elephas maximus sumatranus)
description
They are 5-9 feet tall to their shoulder. They weight up to 5 tones. Wow. Imagine holding one! And they are 20 feet long. They have smaller tusks than other Elephant species.
diet & IMPORTANCE
Sumatran elephants feed on many plants. They are so important because they deposit seeds. This makes the Rainforest where they live in bigger.
habitat
They live in moist broadleaf tropical rainforests.
threats
The Sumatran Elephant is Critically Endangered. There are only 2,400 – 2,800 left in the world! In 2012,it was changed from Endangered to Critically Endangered. Half of its population has disappeared
Poachers are a threat to this Elephant species. Sumatran elephants have smaller tusks then other elephant species, but poachers don't care. They kill them for their tusks for illegal ivory.
Sumatra has one of the highest rates of deforestation. This is why in some areas they face extinction. 70 percent of their habitat is destroyed. Most of the destruction is for Palm Oil plantations.
Because of habitat destruction they will come in contact with humans. They raid crops, trample homes and sometimes even hurt or kill people. As a result people poison and shoot them! Isn't that sad!
Poachers are a threat to this Elephant species. Sumatran elephants have smaller tusks then other elephant species, but poachers don't care. They kill them for their tusks for illegal ivory.
Sumatra has one of the highest rates of deforestation. This is why in some areas they face extinction. 70 percent of their habitat is destroyed. Most of the destruction is for Palm Oil plantations.
Because of habitat destruction they will come in contact with humans. They raid crops, trample homes and sometimes even hurt or kill people. As a result people poison and shoot them! Isn't that sad!
conservation
In 2004 WWF started the Elephant Flying Squad. They made noises that made the Elephants go back into the forest. This is good because the villagers won't kill or poison them. WWF are doing research about these Elephants and are looking at solutions on how villagers and Elephants can live in peace. WWF have anti-poaching patrols in central Sumatra. The anti-poaching patrols get rid of traps, educate the locals and bring poachers to justice. They also reduce the illegal Elephant ivory.
how you can help
- Send letters to the government about protecting their habitat and making Palm Oil illegal.
- Have a Palm Oil free diet.
- Spread the message.
- Don't go to places that have captive Elephants.
- Support & raise money for Sumatran Elephant conservation.
- Don't buy Elephant products or any wildlife products.
image creadits
www.worldwildlife.org/species/sumatran-elephant