Sumatran Elephants

As the name suggests, the Sumatran Elephant is endemic to the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. It is one of the three sub-species of Asian Elephant that also includes the Indian and the Sri Lankan Elephant. However, this sub-species has become an endangered species due to the drastic decline of their population in the last 75 years. It has been estimated that these animals have lost about 80 % of their total population within just a span of three generations due to loss of habitat, mainly caused by the expansion of palm-oil plantations.

As a sub-species of Asian Elephant, the Sumatran Elephants are considerably smaller in size than the African Elephants. This sub-species can reach a maximum height of 3.2 m(10.5 ft) and can weigh as much as 4000 kg (8,800 lb). Compared to Sri Lankan and Indian Elephants, the Sumatran subspecies have a lighter skin color and minimum depigmentation marks on the body. The females are smaller and lighter than the males and have shorter tusks that are barely visible. In comparison to the tusks of the other Asian sub-species, the tusks of the male Sumatran subspecies are relatively shorter.

The average lifespan of the Sumatran Elephant is 60 years. It may vary depending on food supply and living condition. In captivity, the Sumatran Elephants that were provided with adequate food and given proper health treatment have lived up to the age of 75 years. On the other hand, many elephants living in the wild could barely reach the minimum age of 60 years due to malnourishment and various life threats.

Relative species

The Sumatran Elephant is a subspecies of the Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus) and shares its genus with the Sri Lankan (E. m. maximus) and Indian Elephant (E. m. indicus). Out of the three recognized subspecies of Asian Elephant, the Sumatran Elephant is the smallest in size. The males of this species also bear the smallest tusks. Unlike the Indian and Sri Lankan Elephant, the skin coloration of Sumatran Elephant is considerably lighter. These elephants also exhibit very less depigmentation marks on their skin whereas the Sri Lankan Elephants have very distinctive skin discoloration marks on their forehead, ears and belly.

Wild elephants in Indonesia

Wild Elephants in Indonesia

Historically the numbers of wild elephants in Indonesia have been underestimated. The provision of tracts of largely uncharted forest on both Sumatra and Kalimantan led to a lack of awareness of elephants. Since the mid 20th century, there has been a substantial immigration to Sumatra and significant deforestation as a result.

Contact and conflict with elephants increased and as a result, population figures were revised upwards.

The main problems involving wild elephants in Indonesia are:

Habitat Loss – The wild forests of Indonesia are being converted for commercial use at an unprecedented and unsustainable rate.

Human-Elephant Conflict – Deforestation and the accompanying habitat shrinkage have led to major conflict with elephants in Sumatra. Elephants raid food crops, destroy rubber, palm oil and coconut plantations and even more seriously, are increasingly responsible for the destruction of villages and a growing number of human deaths.

Poaching – Much of the alleged poaching in Indonesia is actually more attributable to farmers protecting their crops and killing eleattributes bowustration.

The response of the Indonesian government to these growing problems has been highly unusual. Originally it was proposed to cull the problem elephants by shooting. However, an outcry from the international and domestic public led these plans to be shelved. Instead, the authorities have been capturing and either relocating or domesticating wild elephants. Most of the elephants are being held in Elephant Conservation Centres, but these are filled beyond capacity and are overcrowded.

This policy has now halted, but the problems of human-elephant conflict still remain on a massive scale. Unlike many of the Asian elephants range states, there is not a deep cultural attachment to the elephant in Sumatra and little sympathy for the future of the animals in political circles or in communities which regularly come into contact with elephants. This makes the task of conserving Sumatra’s unique species of elephants that much harder.

Not much is known about Kalimantan’s elephants. They live in the extreme north of the province and there is known to be considerable cross border migration into Borneo.

5 Things to Know About the Sumatran Elephant

The Sumatran elephant, found only in western Indonesia, is one of several critically endangered species that call Indonesia home. Others include the Javan Tiger and Javan rhinoceros, green sea turtle and Borneo birdwing — a species of butterfly. According to the World Wildlife Fund, or WWF, a global conversation group, the elephants are vital in maintaining the biodiversity of the island to which they are indigenous.
But the number of Sumatran elephants is dwindling as urban development and agricultural expansion to make way for palm oil and other types of agriculture cuts into their habitats.

On Feb. 21, wildlife authorities found the remains of seven dead elephants outside Tesso Nilo National Park, home to some of the largest remaining rainforests in plantation-rich Riau province in central Sumatra. WWF in Riau said they were allegedly poisoned. Wildlife authorities have not released results of their investigation and no suspects have been named.

Riau has seen its elephant population drop dramatically over the past decade, according to WWF. Since 2004 it has recorded 128 elephant deaths in the province, most of them due to conflicts with humans or poaching.

Here are a few other things worth knowing about these gentle giants.


1. Critically Endangered
Sumatran elephants are part of the Asian elephant family, which are slightly smaller than their African counterparts. Male Sumatran elephants have relatively short tusks, while females’ tusks are hidden behind their upper lips.

These elephants are protected under an Indonesia law on conservation approved in 1990 and were listed in 2012 as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. (Prior to that they were recognized simply as endanger).

2. Population dwindling
The current Sumatran elephant population lies somewhere between 2,400 and 2,800, according to WWF, which estimates that around 330 elephants are currently living in Riau province.

As forested areas where these elephants once roamed have been converted into plantations, however, tensions between them and the surrounding community have increased, said Syamsidar, a communications officer with WWF in Riau.

“Their ranges have changed, so people get upset, because they think these elephants have caused them problems,” she said. In recent years dozens of elephants have died due to poisoning, she added.

3. Not enough space to roam
Elephants typically consume around 150 kilograms of food and 180 liters of water each day. They also require spaces of up to 20 kilometers to roam freely.

Ideally, while walking around the forests, elephants leave seeds — carried in their feces — that help the forest regenerate. As their range of movement becomes more limited due in part to deforestation, their population and that of other species suffers, said Ms. Syamsidar.


4. Poor law enforcement
Under Indonesia’s law on Conservation of Living Resources and their Ecosystems, people are prohibited from taking, killing or trading in protected species. Anyone who violates the law could face a maximum punishment of up to five years in prison and a fine of 100 million rupiah ($8,600).

Muhammad Zanir, a spokesman for the government’s Natural Resources Conservation Agency in Riau, said the government does its best to enforce the law, but lack of skilled staff makes it difficult. When elephants are found dead, for example, “we need to take them to a laboratory for testing,” he said. “And that takes time and money.”

5. Human contact adds a threat
Poaching by hunters who want their tusks is one of the main reasons the elephant population has been declining, said Mr. Zanir. Increasing contact with humans is another.

By nature, elephants do not pose a threat to people, said Ms. Syamsidar. But by continuing to traverse once-forested areas converted into plantations or farmland, they inevitably come into contact – which sometimes leads to conflict.

Sometimes they feed on or trample crops, she explained. “People view the elephants that roam in their plantation areas as pests.”

According to WWF, conflicts between humans and elephants in Riau province resulted in damages to plantations amounting to an estimated 1.99 billion rupiah ($31.7 million).

Elephant Safari Park

The Elephant Safari Park offers a new concept in Eco tourism. Here you can enjoy the exciting adventure of Elephant Trekking while you are also helping to save the endangered Indonesian elephant (one of world's rarest elephants).

Currently there are less than 1,100 Indonesian Elephants left in the wild and their numbers are rapidly decreasing. At the Elephant Safari Park we are assisting, through proceeds from the sale of elephant paintings, with the relocation of wild elephants to special reserves setup by the Indonesian Government to assist with breeding programs to help build up the depleting numbers.

The aim of teaching these gentle giants the fine art of painting is so their artworks may be exhibited and sold to a world wide audience, generating much needed funds for the continued rescue, care and upkeep of the Sumatran elephants in our Safari refuge. Selling the art works of our safari park 'stars' not only raises the profile of these humble giants, but part of the proceeds goes directly back into transmigrating other endangered Sumatran elephants to our Park sanctuary, feeding, breeding & development programs, and to assist with costs of medical and vitamin supplements needed to maintain the health and well-being of our elephants.

The sale of Bali Adventure Tours Safari Park 'Elephant Art' together with the Bali Adventure Tours Elephant FoundationGift Shop and donations raises funds and awareness of the plight of this most endangered species.

Grab this opportunity to own a unique work of art and help support one of Asia's most endangered and forgotten species. Click on the link below to view the range of Elephant artisan works or donate directly to the 'Elephant Foundation' and help save a Sumatran elephant. Visit the Foundation Gift Shop.

At right is a photo of Nigel Mason, the owner of The Elephant Safari Park at Taro, Bali, with Riski an 18-month-old Sumatran elephant. Riski was one of ten elephants that Nigel's company is currently trying to relocate to The Elephant Safari Park in Bali from Central Sumatra, a journey that will travel over three islands and take six days, non-stop by truck and ferry. Nigel was heartbroken recently to be informed that Riski, who's name translates to 'Lucky' in English, didn't make it and has died before she could be rescued. The photo of Nigel and Riski was taken late last year at Riau province in Central Sumatra.   Without your support more of these beautiful creatures will die before they can be rescued.

Help Support Sumatran Elephants by Supporting our Efforts

STOP PRESS! - All Eyes on Eva

Having suffered from cataract blindness most of her life - Eva our adorable 21-year-old elephant is about to receive a new look on life!

London based ophthalmic surgeon, Ali Mearza, from St Georges Hospital London, recently visited the Elephant Safari Park to assess what could be done with the ailing elephant, and the prognosis is prosperous!

Now all eyes are on Eva as she is about to receive the first elephant cataract eye operation in Bali.

With thanks to the assistance of the John Fawcett Foundation for Humanitarian Projects in Indonesia, whose mobile eye clinic will not only perform the operation on Eva, but access the large lens needed for the operation implant from Fort Worth, Texas, USA, the future will certainly look clearer for Eva!

TRAINING THE SUMATRAN ELEPHANT TO WORK

The training of an elephant differs from animal to animal. Depending on the will and spirit of the wild elephant, training can take as little as six months or as long as six years. In order for the trainer to gain respect from the elephant, the trainer must exert his dominance over it through beatings, starvation and deprivation of sleep and water. To restrain the elephant from being destructive and harmful, it is tied to the ground and held there until it is comfortable with the trainer's presence. To reward the Sumatran elephant after its long, hard training, a special song is sung and the elephant is patted on the head by his proud trainers. This ceremony marks the ending of its instruction and the beginning of its new career as a worker.

The elephant is mainly employed with felling trees and carrying them back to camp. Being a live bulldozer, they are able to carry logs weighing as much as six tons with dignity and grace. Sometimes an enormous bull elephant is tied to a tree and used to lure other elephants to captivity. Its superiority attracts them to him. Despite the elephant's size, it can still perform its duties with easy agility. Not only does the pachyderm move logs, but it also transports people to their destinations smoothly and efficiently.

Because elephants are such magnificant, easily trained animals, they are used in circus performances. These shows consist of make-believe hunts, soccer games, and many stunts. In Asia, superstition and tradition has always favored the elephant, where they are believed to have special powers. Many Asians believe that walking under an elephant brings good luck. In the Far East, elephants have always been considered sacred, holy animals. That is why their respecting admirers travel miles to see them. Of late, fate has looked poorly upon the elephants and extinction lurks nearer, but should they die out, they will long be remembered as adroit, graceful, regal animals.

All about Sumatran Elephant

I. Habitat

Elephant travels much within broad home range so that they need more than one type of habitat. Forest types suitable for Sumatran elephants based on research are:

1. Swamp forest
This forest type encompasses swamp grass land, primary swamp forest, or secondary swamp forest dominated by Gluta renghas, Campenosperma auriculata, C. Macrophylla, Alstonia spp, dan Eugeniaspp.

2. Peat Swamp Forest
Vegetation types in this forest type are: Gonystilus bancanus, Dyera costulata, Licuala spinosa, Shorea spp., Alstonia spp., and Eugenia spp.

3. Lowland forest
This forest type is located in the altitude of 0-750 m above sea level with dominant vegetation of Dipterocarpaceae family.

4. Lower mountain rain forest
This forest type is located in the altitude of 750-1,500 m above sea level with dominant vegetation of Altingia excelsa, Dipterocarpus spp., Shorea spp., Quercus spp., dan Castanopsis spp.
 

 II. Requirements to Live in Nature

1. Shelter 
Sumatran elephants are categorized as warm blooded animals thus in the hot weather condition, these animals will find shelter (thermal cover) to stabilize their body temperature to fit with the environment temperature. The locations usually used for shelter and rest at day light are the places covered with dense vegetation.

2. Diet
Sumatran Elephants are also categorized as herbivorous animals so that they need green food available sufficiently in their habitat. Elephants also need habitat with tree vegetation for their supplement in fulfilling the need for calcium mineral in order to strengthen their bone, teeth, and ivory. Since the digest system is less perfect, an adult elephant needs food in a big amount between 200-300 kg biomass per day or 5-10% of its body weight.

Sumatran elephant food types in natural habitat comprises of some kinds of wild herb, liana, tree bark, banana, and young leaves. If they invade paddy field or farming land, elephants will eat paddy, sugar cane, young coconut leaves, fruit such as papaya, and other seedlings.

3. Water 
Elephants are very much dependent to water thus in the afternoon they look for water sources for drinking, bathing and wallowing. A Sumatran elephant needs to drink about 20-50liter/day. When the water sources are dried, elephant can dig for 50-100 cm using his front feet and trunk in search of water.

4. Mineral 
Elephant also needs mineral salt such as: calcium, magnesium, and callium. These minerals are licked by consuming soil heap contained salt, loosing the hard slope by its front leg and trunks, and eating while raining or after raining.

5. Home range
Elephant is the biggest land mammal that still exist in this age thus it needs wide home range. The Asian Elephant home range is varied between 32.4 - 166.9 km2 meanwhile the home range of elephant herd in primary forest is twice bigger than that of in secondary forest. This condition is related to food productivity in these two different forest conditions.

6. Security and comfort
Elephant needs secured and comfortable situation so that breeding habit will not be disturbed and production process will work well. Therefore wood felling activities done by concession companies have disturbed security and comfort for elephants. 

Behavior of the Sumatran Elephant

Sumatran elephants are very social animals. They use infrasonic sounds to communicate with each other. Sumatran elephants roam around the jungle pushing over trees. As they walk they use their roaring and infrasonic sounds to communicate.

Elephants are very protective of their young. When they are being attacked by predators, the older elephants surround their young in the middle of a circle with the bulls on the outside. All of the females are protective of the young. These social pachyderms travel in large groups.

The elephants' strangest behavior involves actions toward their dead. When an elephant dies the others come around, sniffing and moving the bones. They do this as if they are trying to remember the dead elephant. This odd behavior is not yet fully understood.

Elephants are not very friendly zoo animals. There have been cases where they have killed people. Elephants are not easy animals to train. Sometimes elephants fight each other because they want to know who is the strongest and who will have first choice of the female.

Elephants are known to eat a great multitude of food. They eat anything but meat. They eat bananas, palm tree leaves, and almost any other plant. Because elephants have a tremendous appetite, much of Sumatra's jungles and crops are being trampled down.