 Reference Base  Notes on rhinoceroses in Burma, R. sondaicus and sumatrensis |
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Evans, G.H., 1905. Notes on rhinoceroses in Burma, R. sondaicus and sumatrensis. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 16 (4): 555-561
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| Location: |
Asia - South East Asia - Myanmar (Burma) |
| Subject: |
Behaviour - Daily Routine |
| Species: |
Sumatran Rhino |
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They appear to be of a restless disposition and at times given to wandering a distance from their accustomed haunts. Perhaps the most interesting feature about these creatures is the astounding way in which they ascend and descend the steepest of hill-sides. In fact the steeper the gradient the more it would appear to appeal to them. As for many of the descents into the beds of streams, they are quite in the nature of slides. For a human being, certainly, a leather seat would be of greater help to him than anything else. It is equally surprising how they ever manage to climb over some of the rocky places one meets with, yet they do. They are the most difficult animals I have ever attempted to follow. I thought serow and goral quite bad enough, but rhinoceros, I think, can give them points.
The Burmans attribute their agility to the fact of their possessing three large separate claws or hoofs. In descending, only the centre one is in use, the lateral ones being employed as brakes. Going over rocks, ledges, etc., one or more toes may be employed. One thing is certain, viz. that Karens and Burmans are as much astonished as we are at the way they get over seemingly impossible ground.
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