Sumatran Elephant

Critically Endangered

Estimated remaining: 2,400-2,800

Habitat

Lowland tropical forests, plantations, and agricultural areas across Sumatra, Indonesia. Requires large home ranges with abundant vegetation and water sources.

Threats

• Massive habitat loss for palm oil plantations
• Human-elephant conflict leading to killings
• Poaching for ivory (though tusks are smaller)
• Forest fragmentation isolating populations
• Infrastructure development in critical habitats

Conservation efforts

Establishment of elephant conservation units across Sumatra. Human-elephant conflict mitigation using trained elephants and early warning systems. Habitat corridors connecting fragmented forests. Community engagement programs to reduce conflicts.