The Sumatran elephant, the smallest of the Asian elephants, is facing serious pressures arising from illegal logging and associated habitat loss and fragmentation in Indonesia. The island's elephant population has come under increasing threat from rapid forest conversion to plantations. As forests shrink, elephants are increasingly closer to fields and cultivated land, generating conflict with humans that often result in the death of the elephants by poisoning or capture, as well as economic losses to humans.

In February 1999, WWF's Asian Rhinos and Elephants Action Strategy (AREAS) began establishing a "safe haven" for one of the largest remaining populations of the Sumatran elephant in Riau, Sumatra.

By carrying out research on elephants and the nature of the conflicts, and working with local communities and companies, WWF intends to develop solutions that ensure living space for both humans and elephants. A major breakthrough has been achieved with the 2004 declaration of Tesso Nilo National Park in Riau, a significant step towards the protection of the elephant's habitat



Physical Description
Species 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, less in the wild.


Size
Adult Sumatran elephants can reach 1.7-2.6 m at the shoulder.


Colour
This species is the lightest in colour of all Asian elephants.



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