Sumatran Elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus)

The Sumatran Elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus) is a rare subspecies of the Asian elephant, native to the Indonesian island of Sumatra. They are smaller than their African cousins, with distinct smaller ears and a more domed head. These gentle giants play a vital role in their rainforest habitat by helping seed dispersal and maintaining forest health. Forest loss and human activity threaten their survival, making them critically endangered. Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection and minimizing human-elephant conflicts to ensure their continued existence in the wild.