Fauna - Sumatra

Sumatra is home to some of the rarest species of animals and plants in the world.

Orangutan

Sumatran Tiger

The Sumatran Tiger is the smallest of the sub-species of tiger in the world. They live deep in the rainforests of Sumatra eating wild pigs, monkey and deer.

Like other tigers they will sit half submerged in lakes or ponds during the heat of the day.

The strip pattern of these tigers are as unique as human finger prints.

There are only around 400 - 500 Sumatran tigers left in the wild. They are located in various rainforests in Sumatra but the majority of them are located in the Gunung Leuser National Park.

More information - http://www.tigertrust.info/

Monkeys

Thomas Leaf Monkey

Sumatran Gibbons

There are 11 species of gibbons living throughout south east asia with 3 different species of Gibbons in Sumatra. In Sumatra there is the Agile Gibbon, the White Handed Gibbon and the Siamangs.

Asian Elephant - Proboscidea

Proboscidea meaning animals with trunk. The Asian elephant is smaller in size as well as having smaller ears than the African elephant. You can find Sumatra elephants in a number of areas including Aceh, Tangkahan, North Sumatra and in the southern provinces including Way Kamblas National Park.

Sumatran Rhinoceros - Dicerorhinus sumatrensis

The Sumatra Rhinoceros is the only 2 horned Rhino living in the Asian region. Fewer than 300 Sumatran Rhinoceros exist today. Refered to as the hairy Rhino because of it's long course hair unlike other Rhinos - (Javan Rhinos, Indian Rhinos, White Rhinos and Black Rhinos) which appear hairless.

Sun Bear

Sun bear and the smallest bear in the world but with surprising strength for it's size. The have long probing tongues for eating honey in large bee hives. They are not bothered by bee stings and eat the bees along with their honey.

The Sun bear has loose baggy skin which helps it maneuver through the tree tops. The palms of their paws are furless giving them good grip when climbing. Their sharp claws are also good for gripping the tress or for ripping open termite nests.

Binturong - Arctictis binturong

Binturongs are often called 'bearcats' because of their appearance. Like cats, they have sharp meat eating teeth but surprisingly at least half of their diet is fruit and leaves.

These animals are found trees deep in the rainforest where their muscular tail helps them get around and their dark colour keeps them well hidden.

Malayan Tapir - Tapirus indicus

Malayan Tapirs mainly live close to water in swamps and hilly forests. They graze at night using their short trunk to gather leaves, buds and fruits into their mouth.

With short, slender legs they are good at swimming, running and climbing. This helps them keep out of danger and hide from predators like the Sumatran tiger.

Small clawed ottor - Amblonyx cinereus

Small clawed ottors live in the water ways of Sumatra hunting on fish and shellfish. These animals mate for life and both take part in feeding and looking after the infants. Even in murky water their whiskers feel vibrations in the water zoning in on their prey. Also their sensitive toes feel for shellfish and other food in the mud.

They live in small groups, using up to 12 different calls to communicate with each other.

Fishing cat - Prionailurus viverrinus

Fishing cats love the water and are excellent swimmers. They have partially webbed feet which aids in swimming and catching fish and birds in the water.

Fishing cats live near wetlands, rivers,  creeks and swamps.

Dhole - Cuon alpinus

Dhole live in a pack of 5 - 12 controlled by a breeding male and female - the rest of the pack is their offspring. These have dog like characteristics but also can cluck like a chicken.

Dhole eat deer, wild sheep,  rodents and rabbits. As a pack they can hunt animals ten times their size.

Salt water Crocodile

Swamp Crocodile

The Sumatran Swamp Crocodile is found in North Sumatra and Aceh. The area surrounding Lake Banko near Ket is the last remaining habitat of the Sumatran Swamp Crocodile.

Horn Bill

Buffalo

Last updated 29th November 2009