The Sumatran Rhino is now extinct in Malaysia. They once could be found right throughout Malaysia and other countries in Asia, however, the Sumatran Rhino population has declined dramatically due to their forest home being destroyed by humans.
Deforestation has pushed these beautiful animals to the brink of extinction.
In Malaysia, that is now a reality. Both of last two sexes of the Sumatran Rhinos, male and female, died this year - the last male Sumatran Rhino in Malaysia died this year in May, and the last female Sumatran Rhino in Malaysia died this year in November. Now these beautiful animals are extinct in Malaysia. But they do still, just, hold on elsewhere.
Now the Sumatran Rhino is only thought to exist in the island of Sumatra.
The island of Sumatra is in Western Indonesia.
The Current Population Of The Sumatran Rhinos
The current population of Sumatran Rhinos in the wild is less than 80 individual animals.
Their extremely low population means that these animals are critically endangered.
What Is The Future For Sumatran Rhinos?
Their critically endangered status means that the future for these animals is looking bleak. There are only less than 80 of them left now, so, if we are to save them from extinction, then the time to do that is now. This could be our last chance to save the Sumatran Rhino.
Today Sumatran Rhinos face several challenges to their existence. One of those challenges is their very low population. The other two challenges these beautiful animals face is: deforestation and poaching. The biggest threats to their existence now is deforestation and poaching.
The future of the Sumatran Rhino will depend on what we do now.
If you want to help Sumatran Rhinos, then please adopt a Sumatran Rhino with the WWF.
Sources:
https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/sumatran-rhino
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-50531208