The Bornean Rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis harrissoni) is a critically endangered subspecies of the Sumatran rhinoceros, known for being one of the smallest and most elusive members of the rhinocerotidae family. On average, an adult Bornean Rhinoceros stands about 4 to 5 feet at the shoulder and measures 8 to 10 feet in length. These rhinos typically weigh between 500 to 960 kilograms. Unlike its African cousins, the Bornean Rhinoceros is covered with a coat of hair, which tends to be thicker in younger individuals and sparser as they age. The species is characterized by its distinct features, which include two horns, the larger front horn reaching up to 90 centimeters and a smaller rear horn. Their skin is deep, grayish-brown, often appearing reddish due to the clay and mud they often wallow in, which also serves to protect their skin from sun and insect bites.
The Bornean Rhinoceros was once widespread across Borneo, but its range has dramatically diminished due to habitat loss and poaching. Today, the few remaining individuals are found in the dense mountain forests of Malaysian Borneo, primarily in the state of Sabah. These forests offer a unique ecosystem rich in biodiversity, with lush vegetation that provides shelter and abundant food sources for the rhinos. The high-altitude regions and swampy lowlands of these forests offer the ideal moist and cool environment that suits the Bornean Rhinoceros's habitat preferences. These elusive creatures are inherently solitary except during breeding or a mother with her calf, as they establish territories indicated by dung piles, urine spraying, and soil scrapes.
Adult Bornean Rhinoceroses have no natural predators due to their formidable size and thick skin. However, their calves are vulnerable to larger predators such as tigers and leopards, which share the Bornean forests. Despite natural threats, the most significant danger to the Bornean Rhinoceros has been human activity. Poaching for their horns, which are highly valued in traditional medicine and illegal wildlife trade, has brought them to the brink of extinction. Habitat destruction due to logging, agricultural expansion, and human settlement encroachment has also played a critical role in their drastic decline. Conservation efforts are ongoing but are challenging given the low population numbers and the difficulty in tracking these reclusive animals in dense forest habitats.
Bornean Rhinoceroses are herbivores with a voracious appetite for a wide variety of plant species. Their diet consists mainly of leaves, twigs, bark, fruits, and various plant materials. They are known as browsers rather than grazers, preferring to feed on higher vegetation rather than ground cover. Their feeding habits play a crucial role in the forest ecosystem by aiding in seed dispersal and creating gaps in the vegetation that allow sunlight to reach lower plants, promoting forest regeneration. Due to their solitary nature, they cover vast areas of the forest in search of food, which sometimes includes medicinal plants that local communities use for herbal remedies. Robust and capable, they uproot small trees and bushes to access the parts they prefer, showcasing the strength and adaptability crucial for survival in the wild.
The Bornean Rhinoceros is a symbol of the primal, untamed beauty of Borneo’s unique wildlife. Their near-extinction exemplifies the environmental challenges faced due to human intervention. Understanding their behavior, habitat requirements, and ecological role is vital in formulating effective conservation strategies. Protecting the remaining rhino population and their critical habitats offers hope for preserving not just a single species but the broader vibrancy of Borneo’s natural heritage.