World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/slow-loris-12-amazing-facts): 12 Amazing Facts About the Slow Loris, the World's Only Venomous Primate.

## What is the most surprising fact about slow lorises?
They are the only primates known to be venomous. A slow loris produces an oily secretion from a gland near its elbow, mixes it with saliva by licking, and can deliver a bite venomous enough to cause severe allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock, in humans.

## Why do slow lorises raise their arms?
Raising the arms is a defensive move, not a sign of pleasure. The animal is reaching toward the venom gland on its inner arm to arm a defensive bite. In viral 'tickling' videos, the loris is frightened, and its wide eyes are open because bright light is painful for a nocturnal animal.

## How many species of slow loris are there?
Most current sources recognise about nine species: eight in the genus Nycticebus, plus the pygmy slow loris, which was moved to its own genus, Xanthonycticebus, in 2022.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/slow-loris-are-they-venomous-dangerous): Are Slow Lorises Venomous? Inside the Bite of the World's Only Venomous Primate.

## Summary
Yes, slow lorises are the only venomous primates; they produce a two-part venom from a gland near the elbow that is activated with saliva, and a bite can cause severe reactions in humans, including anaphylactic shock.

## Excerpt
Yes — slow lorises are the only venomous primates, and their bite can trigger anaphylactic shock. Here is how the venom works and why it matters for conservation.

## Takeaway
Slow lorises are the only known venomous primates; the bite can be lethal to small animals and dangerous to humans.

## Takeaway
The venom is a two-part system: an oily secretion from a gland near the elbow is activated when licked and mixed with saliva.

## Takeaway
Bites can cause anaphylactic shock; one documented case followed the bite of a wild Kayan slow loris.

## Takeaway
The secretion contains a protein resembling the major cat allergen Fel d 1, which helps explain the severe allergic reactions.

## Takeaway
Because of the venom, trafficked lorises have their teeth cut out without anaesthetic — an often-fatal procedure.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/slow-loris-are-they-venomous-dangerous): Are Slow Lorises Venomous? Inside the Bite of the World's Only Venomous Primate.

## Briefing
Yes — the slow loris is venomous, and uniquely so Among the hundreds of primate species, the slow loris stands alone: it is the only group known to be genuinely venomous. The question "are slow lorises dangerous?" therefore has a clear answer — to a small animal a loris bite can be deadly, and to a person it can be far more serious than most expect. How the venom is made The system has two parts. A gland on the inside of each arm, the brachial gland, produces an oily secretion. When the loris licks that gland, the secretion mixes with saliva and becomes active in the mouth. That is why a threatened loris raises its arms toward its head — it is arming the bite, not asking to be tickled. What the venom does to humans The most documented danger to people is allergic. Research has shown the brachial-gland secretion contains a protein closely resembling Fel d 1, the main cat allergen — which helps explain why bites can provoke severe immune reactions. A peer-reviewed case described a person going into anaphylactic shock after the bite of a wild Kayan slow loris, and a survey of people who work with lorises found several who suffered anaphylaxis-like symptoms after being bitten. Why a venomous primate ends up in the pet trade The venom is precisely why captured lorises are mutilated. To make them "safe" to handle and sell, traders cut or pull out their teeth with clippers or pliers, without anaesthetic. Many animals die from the resulting infection, blood loss and stress, and a toothless loris can never feed naturally again. It is one of the cruellest details of the trade — and a direct consequence of the animal's most extraordinary trait. Should you be afraid of slow lorises? Not in any everyday sense. Slow lorises are shy, nocturnal and want nothing to do with people; bites happen almost exclusively when the animals are handled or trafficked. The danger is a reason to leave them in the wild, never to fear them in it. For the full biology and conservation story, see our slow loris species guide . WARN-supported rescue centres in Indonesia and Malaysia treat the dental injuries and trauma left by this trade. If that work matters to you, the slow loris appeal is one way to stand behind it. Read the full Slow loris wildlife guide for the facts, IUCN status and conservation context — or donate to WARN to help fund the local partners protecting this species.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/slow-loris-are-they-venomous-dangerous): Are Slow Lorises Venomous? Inside the Bite of the World's Only Venomous Primate.

## Is a slow loris bite dangerous to humans?
It can be. Slow loris venom can cause severe allergic reactions, including documented cases of anaphylactic shock. The secretion contains a protein resembling the major cat allergen Fel d 1, which may explain the strong immune response. Bites are rare and almost always involve handled or trafficked animals.

## How does slow loris venom work?
It is a two-step system. A gland on the inside of each arm secretes an oily fluid; the loris licks the gland so the fluid mixes with saliva and becomes active in the mouth. When the animal raises its arms in a defensive posture, it is reaching for this gland to arm its bite.

## Why do trafficked slow lorises have their teeth removed?
Because the species is venomous, traders cut or pull out the teeth with pliers or clippers — without anaesthetic — so the animals cannot bite buyers. The procedure causes infection, pain and stress that many animals do not survive, and leaves survivors unable to feed naturally.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/slow-loris-vs-pygmy-slow-loris-differences): Slow Loris vs Pygmy Slow Loris: 6 Key Differences.

## Summary
The pygmy slow loris (Xanthonycticebus pygmaeus) was split into its own genus in 2022 and is smaller, twin-bearing, and native to Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and southern China, while the other eight slow lorises remain in the genus Nycticebus — though all share a venomous bite and are threatened.

## Excerpt
They look alike and share a venomous bite, but the pygmy slow loris now has its own genus. Here's how to tell these night-time primates apart.

## Takeaway
The pygmy slow loris was reclassified into its own genus, Xanthonycticebus, in 2022, separate from the eight Nycticebus species.

## Takeaway
Pygmy slow lorises are smaller (~15–25 cm, ~120–500 g) than other slow lorises, which reach up to ~38 cm and ~2,100 g.

## Takeaway
The pygmy slow loris lives in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and southern China, and commonly bears twins.

## Takeaway
Both groups are nocturnal, gum-eating, venomous and threatened, all listed on CITES Appendix I.

## Takeaway
The pygmy slow loris is Endangered; other slow lorises range from Vulnerable to Critically Endangered.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/slow-loris-vs-pygmy-slow-loris-differences): Slow Loris vs Pygmy Slow Loris: 6 Key Differences.

## Briefing
Slow loris vs pygmy slow loris: same family, separate genus All slow lorises are easy to confuse — round eyes, slow movements, a venomous bite. But the pygmy slow loris is distinct enough that scientists gave it its own genus in 2022. Here is how the smaller specialist differs from its larger relatives. 1. Genus and classification The eight "true" slow lorises sit in the genus Nycticebus . The pygmy slow loris was reclassified in 2022 as Xanthonycticebus pygmaeus on the basis of genetic and physical differences — so it is now the lone member of its own genus. 2. Size and weight Size is the quickest tell. Across Nycticebus , head-body length runs roughly 18–38 cm and weight from about 265 g (Bornean) up to around 2,100 g (Bengal). The pygmy slow loris is smaller, around 15–25 cm and roughly 120–500 g. 3. Range The pygmy slow loris is found in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and southern China — the eastern edge of the slow loris world. Other species range across Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, India, Bangladesh and beyond. 4. Reproduction Twins are common in the pygmy slow loris, whereas the larger species usually carry a single infant per birth. Female pygmy lorises can also reach sexual maturity early, at around nine months. 5. Seasonal biology The pygmy slow loris is notable for marked seasonal changes tied to its more variable, sometimes cooler habitat, including shifts in activity and body condition — adaptations less pronounced in its tropical-forest relatives. 6. What they share Despite the split, the similarities run deep. Both are nocturnal, arboreal, gum-loving exudativores; both are the only venomous primates, with the same elbow-gland-plus-saliva system; and both are threatened. The pygmy slow loris is listed as Endangered, while other species range from Vulnerable to Critically Endangered, and all sit on CITES Appendix I. For the full taxonomy, diet and conservation breakdown of every species, see our slow loris species guide . WARN's partners care for trafficked lorises of several species, including pygmy slow lorises seized from the trade. Supporting the slow loris appeal helps fund their recovery. Read the full Slow loris wildlife guide for the facts, IUCN status and conservation context — or donate to WARN to help fund the local partners protecting this species.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/slow-loris-vs-pygmy-slow-loris-differences): Slow Loris vs Pygmy Slow Loris: 6 Key Differences.

## What is the difference between a slow loris and a pygmy slow loris?
The pygmy slow loris is smaller (around 15–25 cm and 120–500 g) and was reclassified into its own genus, Xanthonycticebus, in 2022, while the other eight slow lorises stay in Nycticebus. The pygmy species lives in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and southern China and often bears twins, but both share a venomous bite, a gum-rich diet and nocturnal, arboreal habits.

## Is the pygmy slow loris still a slow loris?
Yes. Despite being moved to its own genus, Xanthonycticebus, in 2022, the pygmy slow loris is still a slow loris within the family Lorisidae. The change reflects genetic and physical distinctions, not a removal from the slow loris group.

## Are pygmy slow lorises venomous too?
Yes. Like all slow lorises, the pygmy slow loris produces venom using a gland near the elbow that is activated when mixed with saliva, and it is listed on CITES Appendix I, meaning commercial international trade is banned.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/sun-bear-12-amazing-facts): 12 Amazing Facts About the Sun Bear, the World's Smallest Bear.

## Summary
The sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) is the world's smallest bear, native to Southeast Asia, famous for a record-long tongue, a unique sun-like chest crescent and exceptional climbing ability; the IUCN lists it as Vulnerable.

## Excerpt
From a record-breaking tongue to a chest patch as unique as a fingerprint, here are 12 things that make the sun bear one of Southeast Asia's most extraordinary — and threatened — animals.

## Takeaway
The sun bear is the smallest of the eight bear species, weighing about 25–65 kg.

## Takeaway
Its tongue is among the longest of any bear relative to body size, used to extract honey and insects.

## Takeaway
Each bear's orange chest crescent is unique, like a fingerprint, and gives the species its name.

## Takeaway
Sun bears are the most arboreal bears and never hibernate, breeding year-round near the equator.

## Takeaway
The IUCN lists the sun bear as Vulnerable, with a decline of more than 30% over three generations.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/sun-bear-12-amazing-facts): 12 Amazing Facts About the Sun Bear, the World's Smallest Bear.

## Briefing
The sun bear may be the least familiar of the world's eight bear species, yet it is arguably the most remarkable. Half the height of a black bear, built like a wrestler and topped with a tongue that holds a world record, this tropical forest specialist is full of surprises. Here are 12 of the best — all consistent with our full sun bear species guide . 12 Things You Didn't Know About Sun Bears 1. It is the smallest bear on Earth Adults weigh roughly 25–65 kg and stand about 70 cm at the shoulder — closer in scale to a large dog than to a grizzly. 2. Its tongue holds a world record A sun bear's tongue can extend dramatically — among the longest of any bear relative to body size — letting it reach honey, termites and grubs deep inside cavities. That talent earns it the nickname "honey bear." 3. The chest patch is a fingerprint The pale orange-to-cream crescent on its chest is unique to each bear and stable over time, so researchers can identify individuals from photographs. 4. It is named after the sun That crescent is traditionally likened to a rising or setting sun against the bear's short, sleek black coat. 5. It is the most tree-dwelling bear Sun bears are exceptional climbers, using sickle-shaped claws and powerful forelimbs to forage, rest and even sleep high in the canopy. 6. The claws are huge Long, strongly curved claws — reported up to around 15 cm — rip open bee nests, termite mounds and rotting wood. 7. It never hibernates Living near the equator where food is available year-round, the sun bear has no need to den through a winter. 8. Cubs can arrive any time of year With no winter denning period, females may give birth at any season, usually to a single cub. 9. It is a forest engineer By dispersing seeds and excavating tree cavities later used by hornbills and flying squirrels, sun bears act as a keystone species. 10. There are two subspecies Mainland and Sumatran bears ( H. m. malayanus ) and a smaller Bornean form ( H. m. euryspilus ). 11. It is listed as Vulnerable The IUCN estimates the population has fallen by more than 30% over the last three generations, roughly 30 years. 12. Many rescued bears can never go home Bears taken as cubs or pulled from cages often need lifetime sanctuary care. WARN-funded partners in Indonesia and Malaysia provide exactly that — you can help fund a bear's recovery if you'd like to. Read the full Sun bear wildlife guide for the facts, IUCN status and conservation context — or donate to WARN to help fund the local partners protecting this species.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/sun-bear-12-amazing-facts): 12 Amazing Facts About the Sun Bear, the World's Smallest Bear.

## Why is it called a sun bear?
The name comes from the pale orange-to-cream crescent on its chest, traditionally compared to a rising or setting sun. The mark stands out against the bear's short black coat, and because of its love of honey the species is also nicknamed the honey bear.

## What is special about a sun bear's tongue?
A sun bear's tongue can extend dramatically and is among the longest of any bear relative to body size. It uses this tongue to reach honey, termites, ants and grubs deep inside tree cavities, bee nests and rotting logs.

## Do sun bears hibernate?
No. Sun bears live in equatorial tropical forest where food is available all year, so they do not hibernate. This also means females can give birth in any season rather than after a winter den.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/sun-bear-how-big-smallest-bear): How Big Is a Sun Bear? Meet the World's Smallest Bear.

## Summary
A sun bear weighs about 25–65 kg and stands roughly 70 cm at the shoulder, making it the smallest of the world's eight bear species — comparable in size to a large dog.

## Excerpt
Sun bears are the smallest of all eight bear species — about the size of a large dog. Here's exactly how much they weigh, how tall they stand, and how they compare with other bears.

## Takeaway
Sun bears weigh about 25–65 kg, making them the smallest of the eight bear species.

## Takeaway
They stand around 70 cm at the shoulder and measure roughly 100–150 cm in body length.

## Takeaway
Males can be up to about a third larger than females.

## Takeaway
Their small, muscular build suits a life climbing and foraging in the forest canopy.

## Takeaway
A large sun bear is comparable in size to a big dog and far smaller than a grizzly.

## Briefing
Ask which bear is the smallest and the answer is always the same: the sun bear of Southeast Asia. But "smallest" still means a powerful, muscular animal with claws longer than your fingers. Here's a clear breakdown of how big a sun bear really is, drawn from our full sun bear species guide . How much does a sun bear weigh? Adult sun bears typically weigh between 25 and 65 kilograms (about 55–145 lb). Males run up to roughly a third larger than females. That puts a big male in the range of a large dog — and far below the 150–270 kg of a wild grizzly. How tall is a sun bear? On all fours, a sun bear stands about 70 cm (28 in) at the shoulder. Body length runs roughly 100–150 cm (3.3–4.9 ft) from nose to rump. When it rears up on its hind legs to look bigger — often showing off its chest crescent — it still tops out well under the height of an adult human. Why are sun bears so small? Size suits the sun bear's lifestyle. As the most arboreal of all bears, a compact, lightweight build lets it climb and forage high in the forest canopy, clinging to trunks for hours while it breaks into bee nests. Long, curved claws — reported up to around 15 cm — and a record-setting tongue do the heavy lifting that bulk does in larger species. How does the sun bear compare with other bears? Sun bear: 25–65 kg — the smallest bear. Moon bear (Asiatic black bear): around 65–150 kg. Sloth bear: around 55–145 kg. Brown/grizzly bear: often 150 kg or more. Small does not mean fragile. Years of confinement in the bile and pet trades leave many rescued sun bears with lasting physical and psychological damage, and most need lifetime care. WARN-funded partners in Indonesia and Malaysia provide that care, and you can support bear rescue if you'd like to help. Read the full Sun bear wildlife guide for the facts, IUCN status and conservation context — or donate to WARN to help fund the local partners protecting this species.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/sun-bear-how-big-smallest-bear): How Big Is a Sun Bear? Meet the World's Smallest Bear.

## How big is a sun bear compared to a human?
Sun bears are small bears: about 70 cm tall at the shoulder and 100–150 cm in body length, weighing 25–65 kg. Even reared up on its hind legs, a sun bear stays well below the height of an adult human, though it is far stronger for its size.

## Is the sun bear really the smallest bear in the world?
Yes. At 25–65 kg, the sun bear is the smallest of the eight living bear species. The next smallest, the sloth bear and moon bear, are roughly two to three times heavier on average.

## Are small sun bears dangerous?
Sun bears generally avoid people and are not aggressive by nature, but they are powerful wild animals with very long claws and strong jaws, and can defend themselves fiercely if cornered or protecting cubs. They should never be approached in the wild.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/sun-bear-vs-moon-bear-differences): Sun Bear vs Moon Bear: 6 Key Differences (and Why It Matters).

## Summary
Sun bears and moon bears are different species: the sun bear is the world's smallest bear (25–65 kg) with a short coat and an orange chest crescent, while the moon bear (Asiatic black bear) is larger, shaggier and has a white V-shaped mark.

## Excerpt
Sun bears and moon bears are often confused — both are Asian bears caught up in the bile trade. Here's how to tell them apart by size, coat, chest mark and range.

## Takeaway
Sun bears (Helarctos malayanus) and moon bears (Ursus thibetanus) are different species, often confused.

## Takeaway
Sun bears are far smaller (25–65 kg) than moon bears (around 65–150 kg).

## Takeaway
Sun bears have a short coat and an orange 'sun' crescent; moon bears are shaggy with a white V-shaped 'moon' mark.

## Takeaway
Moon bears make up most farmed bile bears; sun bears are a smaller share, and both are listed as Vulnerable.

## Takeaway
Synthetic ursodeoxycholic acid has existed since the 1950s, so no farmed bear bile is medically needed.

## Briefing
The sun bear and the moon bear are two of Asia's most confused animals. Both are mid-to-small bears, both carry a pale crescent on the chest, and both have been exploited for their bile. But they are different species with clear distinguishing features. Here's how to tell them apart, in line with our full sun bear species guide . Are sun bears and moon bears the same? No. The sun bear ( Helarctos malayanus ) and the moon bear, or Asiatic black bear ( Ursus thibetanus ), are separate species in different genera. They overlap across parts of Southeast Asia, which is one reason they are mixed up. 6 key differences between sun bears and moon bears 1. Size The sun bear is the world's smallest bear at 25–65 kg. The moon bear is much larger, often 65–150 kg. 2. Chest mark Sun bears wear an orange-to-cream crescent — the "sun." Moon bears have a bold white V or crescent — the "moon." 3. Coat Sun bears have a short, sleek coat. Moon bears are noticeably shaggier, with a ruff of longer fur around the neck. 4. Range Sun bears are tropical Southeast Asian specialists. Moon bears range more widely across South and East Asia and into the Himalayas. 5. Lifestyle The sun bear is the most arboreal bear, built for climbing; moon bears also climb but are less specialised for the canopy. 6. Role in the bile trade Moon bears make up the large majority of farmed bile bears, with sun bears a smaller share. Both are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Why the difference matters Bear bile farming keeps bears in tiny cages, sometimes for two decades, to extract bile containing ursodeoxycholic acid — a real medicine that has been produced synthetically since the 1950s, so no farmed bile is medically necessary. Telling the species apart helps rescuers, customs officers and the public identify trafficked bears. WARN-funded partners in Indonesia and Malaysia care for rescued sun bears for life, and you can support bear rescue if you'd like to help. Read the full Sun bear wildlife guide for the facts, IUCN status and conservation context — or donate to WARN to help fund the local partners protecting this species.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/sun-bear-vs-moon-bear-differences): Sun Bear vs Moon Bear: 6 Key Differences (and Why It Matters).

## What is the difference between a sun bear and a moon bear?
The sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) is the world's smallest bear at 25–65 kg, with a short, sleek coat and an orange-to-cream 'sun' crescent on its chest. The moon bear, or Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus), is larger at roughly 65–150 kg, shaggier, and has a bold white V-shaped 'moon' mark. Moon bears make up the majority of farmed bile bears.

## Which is bigger, a sun bear or a moon bear?
The moon bear is significantly bigger. Moon bears commonly weigh 65–150 kg, while sun bears weigh just 25–65 kg, making the sun bear the smallest of all eight bear species.

## Are sun bears and moon bears endangered?
Both the sun bear and the moon bear are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, with declining populations driven by habitat loss, the pet trade and exploitation for the bear bile industry.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/spectacled-bear-12-amazing-facts): 12 Amazing Facts About the Spectacled Bear, South America's Only Bear.

## Summary
The spectacled bear is the only bear native to South America and the last surviving short-faced bear; it eats mostly plants, carries unique fingerprint-like face markings, and is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN.

## Excerpt
From its Paddington connection to its fingerprint-like face markings, here are 12 true, sourced facts about the spectacled bear — the last of the short-faced bears.

## Takeaway
The spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus) is the only bear native to South America and the last surviving short-faced bear.

## Takeaway
Its pale facial 'spectacles' are unique to each individual, like a fingerprint.

## Takeaway
Adult males (100–200 kg) can weigh more than twice as much as females (35–82 kg).

## Takeaway
It is South America's largest land carnivoran, yet eats roughly 90–95% plant matter.

## Takeaway
The IUCN lists it as Vulnerable, with a projected decline of more than 30% over three generations.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/spectacled-bear-12-amazing-facts): 12 Amazing Facts About the Spectacled Bear, South America's Only Bear.

## Briefing
The spectacled bear is one of the most distinctive — and most overlooked — bears on Earth. Found only in the Andes, it carries a face like no other and a family tree that reaches back to the Ice Age. Here are 12 true, sourced facts about this shy cloud-forest specialist, also known as the Andean bear. 12 facts about the spectacled bear 1. It is the only bear native to South America Of the world's eight bear species, just one lives wild in South America: Tremarctos ornatus . You can read the full profile in our spectacled bear species guide . 2. It is the last of the short-faced bears It is the only surviving member of the subfamily Tremarctinae, a lineage that once included the enormous extinct giant short-faced bear. 3. Its "spectacles" are unique to each bear The pale rings and patches around the eyes and muzzle differ from individual to individual like a fingerprint, letting researchers identify bears from camera-trap photos. 4. It is South America's largest land carnivoran It is the biggest land member of the order Carnivora on the continent — yet roughly 90–95% of its diet is plants. 5. Males can be more than twice the size of females Adult males weigh about 100–200 kg and females about 35–82 kg, a striking case of sexual dimorphism. 6. It lives high in the clouds Its core habitat is Andean cloud forest, with a typical band around 1,000–2,700 metres of elevation, from Venezuela south to Bolivia. 7. It is the bear behind Paddington The "Darkest Peru" backstory linked Paddington to the spectacled bear — though author Michael Bond actually started with a toy bought near Paddington Station in 1956. 8. Its powerful jaws open tough plants A short, robust skull and strong jaw muscles let it bite through fibrous bromeliads and palm hearts other animals cannot eat. 9. It can live more than 35 years Wild bears typically reach 20–25 years; the documented captive record is 36 years and 8 months. 10. It is largely solitary and elusive Active mainly around dawn and dusk, spectacled bears are rarely seen by people and avoid human contact. 11. The IUCN lists it as Vulnerable The 2017 assessment projects a decline of more than 30% over three generations as cloud forest is lost and fragmented. 12. Conflict, not hunger, is its biggest danger Retaliatory killing by farmers — often over livestock losses actually caused by pumas or feral dogs — is a leading cause of direct mortality. Network-funded partners support compensation and non-lethal deterrents to ease that conflict. You can help protect Andean habitat without anyone needing to hard-sell you on it. Read the full Spectacled bear wildlife guide for the facts, IUCN status and conservation context — or donate to WARN to help fund the local partners protecting this species.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/spectacled-bear-12-amazing-facts): 12 Amazing Facts About the Spectacled Bear, South America's Only Bear.

## Why is it called a spectacled bear?
It is named for the pale, ring-like markings that often circle its eyes, resembling eyeglasses or spectacles. These cream-coloured patches vary from bear to bear and can extend down the muzzle and chest, and they are unique enough to identify individuals.

## Is the spectacled bear the same as the Andean bear?
Yes. 'Spectacled bear' and 'Andean bear' are two common names for the same species, Tremarctos ornatus. 'Andean bear' is increasingly preferred in conservation work, while 'spectacled bear' refers to the facial rings.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/spectacled-bear-vs-brown-bear-differences): Spectacled Bear vs Brown Bear: Key Differences Explained.

## Summary
The spectacled bear is South America's only bear and the last short-faced bear, eating mostly plants and listed as Vulnerable, whereas the brown bear is a widespread, larger, more carnivorous bear listed as Least Concern.

## Excerpt
How does the Andean spectacled bear compare to the brown bear? Size, diet, range, family tree and conservation status — the real differences, side by side.

## Takeaway
Both are true bears, but the spectacled bear is a short-faced bear (Tremarctinae) and the brown bear belongs to Ursinae.

## Takeaway
Brown bears span North America, Europe and Asia; spectacled bears live only in the Andes of South America.

## Takeaway
Brown bear males can exceed 600 kg; spectacled bear males weigh about 100–200 kg.

## Takeaway
Spectacled bears eat ~90–95% plant matter; brown bears are broadly omnivorous with more animal protein.

## Takeaway
The brown bear is globally Least Concern, while the spectacled bear is listed as Vulnerable.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/spectacled-bear-vs-brown-bear-differences): Spectacled Bear vs Brown Bear: Key Differences Explained.

## Briefing
The spectacled bear and the brown bear are both members of the bear family, Ursidae — but they sit on very different branches of the tree, live on different continents, and eat very different diets. Here is how they really compare. Different branches of the bear family The brown bear ( Ursus arctos ) belongs to the subfamily Ursinae, the group that contains most living bears. The spectacled bear ( Tremarctos ornatus ) is the last surviving member of the Tremarctinae, or short-faced bears — a separate lineage. So while both are true bears, they are only distant cousins. For the full profile of the Andean species, see our spectacled bear species guide . Where they live The brown bear is one of the most widespread bears on the planet, ranging across North America, Europe and Asia, and includes the grizzly. The spectacled bear lives only in the Andes of South America — from Venezuela to Bolivia — mostly in cloud forest around 1,000–2,700 metres elevation. It is the only bear native to South America. Size and build Brown bears vary enormously by region, with males ranging from roughly 130 kg to well over 600 kg in the largest coastal populations. Spectacled bears are smaller: males weigh about 100–200 kg and females about 35–82 kg. The spectacled bear's short, deep skull also gives it a more compact, rounded face than the longer-muzzled brown bear. Diet Both are technically carnivorans, but their diets diverge sharply. Brown bears are true omnivores and take significant animal protein — salmon, mammals, carrion and insects, depending on region. The spectacled bear is overwhelmingly herbivorous, with roughly 90–95% of its diet made up of bromeliads, palm hearts, fruit, bark and orchid bulbs. Conservation status Globally the brown bear is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, thanks to its large and widespread populations. The spectacled bear is listed as Vulnerable, with a decreasing trend and a projected decline of more than 30% over three generations as Andean cloud forest is cleared and fragmented. Quick comparison Family branch: short-faced (spectacled) vs typical bears (brown) Range: Andes only vs three continents Male weight: ~100–200 kg vs ~130–600+ kg Diet: ~90–95% plants vs broadly omnivorous IUCN status: Vulnerable vs Least Concern Because the spectacled bear has such a small, fragmented range, protecting connected cloud forest matters far more for its survival than it does for the wide-ranging brown bear. Network-funded partners work on exactly that; you can quietly support habitat protection if it speaks to you. Read the full Spectacled bear wildlife guide for the facts, IUCN status and conservation context — or donate to WARN to help fund the local partners protecting this species.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/spectacled-bear-vs-brown-bear-differences): Spectacled Bear vs Brown Bear: Key Differences Explained.

## Are spectacled bears and brown bears closely related?
Not closely. Both belong to the bear family Ursidae, but the spectacled bear is the last living member of the short-faced bear subfamily Tremarctinae, while the brown bear sits in the subfamily Ursinae with most other living bears. They are distant cousins rather than close relatives.

## Which is bigger, a spectacled bear or a brown bear?
The brown bear is generally larger. Brown bear males range from about 130 kg to over 600 kg in the largest populations, while spectacled bear males weigh roughly 100–200 kg and females about 35–82 kg.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/spectacled-bear-what-do-they-eat): What Do Spectacled Bears Eat? Inside the Diet of a Plant-Loving Bear.

## Summary
Spectacled bears eat a roughly 90–95% plant-based diet — mainly bromeliads, palm hearts, orchid bulbs, bark and fruit — and only occasionally take insects, honey or small animals.

## Excerpt
Spectacled bears belong to the order Carnivora, yet they live almost entirely on plants. Here's what Andean bears actually eat — and why their skulls are built for it.

## Takeaway
Despite being a carnivoran, the spectacled bear's diet is roughly 90–95% plant material.

## Takeaway
Staple foods include bromeliads, palm hearts, orchid bulbs, bark and fruit.

## Takeaway
It eats animal protein — insects, honey, small animals, carrion — only occasionally.

## Takeaway
Its short, deep skull and strong jaws let it open tough, fibrous plants other animals cannot.

## Takeaway
Crop-raiding and misattributed livestock losses drive retaliatory killing, a leading cause of death.

## Briefing
It is one of nature's great surprises: the spectacled bear is classified within the order Carnivora, yet it is one of the most plant-dependent bears on Earth. So what does this Andean bear actually eat — and how does a carnivoran end up living on vegetables? Here is the full picture. What do spectacled bears eat? Roughly 90–95% of the spectacled bear's diet is plant material. Its staples include bromeliads — especially the tender leaf bases and hearts — along with palm hearts, orchid bulbs, tree bark and a wide variety of fruit. For the full species profile, see our spectacled bear species guide . The plant menu Bromeliads: a signature food; the bear strips and eats the soft, nutritious leaf bases. Palm hearts: the dense growing core of certain palms. Orchid bulbs and tubers: energy-rich underground storage organs. Fruit: a seasonal favourite, important for spreading seeds across the forest. Bark and fibrous vegetation: tough material few other animals can process. Do spectacled bears eat meat? Occasionally, but it is a small part of the diet. They will take insects, honey and the odd small animal, and they sometimes scavenge. Like most bears they are opportunists, but animal protein is the exception rather than the rule for this species. Built for a tough, fibrous diet The spectacled bear's short, deep skull and powerful jaw muscles are the key to its plant-based life. This robust short-faced anatomy lets it bite through fibrous bromeliads and woody palm hearts that other rainforest animals simply cannot open — a feeding niche that helps explain why the last short-faced bear has survived where its giant relatives died out. Why diet drives conflict Sometimes spectacled bears wander onto farmland and raid maize or sugarcane, and they are occasionally blamed for livestock losses that are more often caused by pumas or feral dogs. That misattribution fuels retaliatory killing, which is a leading cause of direct mortality. Network-funded partners help by combining verified-loss compensation with non-lethal deterrents and community engagement near bear habitat. If it resonates, you can gently back that work — no pressure. Read the full Spectacled bear wildlife guide for the facts, IUCN status and conservation context — or donate to WARN to help fund the local partners protecting this species.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/spectacled-bear-what-do-they-eat): What Do Spectacled Bears Eat? Inside the Diet of a Plant-Loving Bear.

## Are spectacled bears herbivores or carnivores?
They are classified within the order Carnivora but are functionally near-herbivorous: roughly 90–95% of their diet is plant matter such as bromeliads, palm hearts, orchid bulbs, bark and fruit. They eat animal protein only occasionally, making them omnivores that lean heavily toward plants.

## How can a spectacled bear eat such tough plants?
Its short, deep skull and powerful jaw muscles — the 'short-faced' anatomy of its subfamily — let it bite through fibrous bromeliads and woody palm hearts that most other forest animals cannot access, opening up a feeding niche with little competition.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/street-dog-12-facts-about-the-worlds-200-million-street-dogs): 12 Fascinating Facts About the World's 200 Million Street Dogs.

## Summary
Street dogs are free-roaming domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), not a separate breed or species; about 200 million live worldwide, most are mixed-ancestry village dogs, and they are managed humanely through Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return rather than culling, which the WHO says does not work.

## Excerpt
Street dogs aren't a breed and aren't a separate species. From their ancient village-dog roots to why killing them never works, here are 12 facts worth knowing.

## Takeaway
"Street dog" is a lifestyle, not a breed or species: free-roaming dogs are the same Canis lupus familiaris as pet dogs.

## Takeaway
An estimated 200 million dogs roam free worldwide, and most of the world's dogs are free-roaming rather than confined pets.

## Takeaway
Free-roaming dogs average only about three to four years of life, versus roughly 10 to 13 years for owned dogs.

## Takeaway
Culling fails because of the 'vacuum effect'; CNVR plus 70% vaccination coverage is the proven humane alternative.

## Takeaway
Dogs are linked to up to 99% of human rabies cases, a disease that kills around 59,000 people a year (WHO).


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/street-dog-12-facts-about-the-worlds-200-million-street-dogs): 12 Fascinating Facts About the World's 200 Million Street Dogs.

## Briefing
The street dog, explained in 12 facts Roughly 200 million dogs live free-roaming lives on the world's streets, mostly across Asia, Africa and Latin America. They are some of the most familiar yet misunderstood animals on the planet. Here are twelve things that change how you see them. 1. A street dog is not a breed "Street dog" describes a way of life, not a pedigree. Most are mixed-ancestry village or pariah-type dogs rather than recognised breeds. 2. They are the exact same species as your pet Free-roaming dogs and house dogs are both Canis lupus familiaris , the domestic dog. There is no biological line separating a street dog from a sofa dog. 3. They descend from one of the oldest dog lineages Pariah-type dogs are among the most genetically diverse dog populations on Earth, shaped by thousands of years of living alongside people rather than by modern breeding. 4. Most of the world's dogs actually roam free Pedigree pets are the global minority. By widely cited estimates, roughly three-quarters or more of all dogs worldwide are free-roaming rather than confined household pets. 5. They live mainly on our leftovers Street dogs are human-commensal scavengers and opportunistic omnivores, surviving largely on food waste, market scraps and handouts. Uncontrolled rubbish is effectively a dog buffet. 6. They breed fast Females come into season about twice a year, carry a litter for around 63 days and typically have four to six puppies, reaching breeding age by six to twelve months. 7. Their lives are short Free-roaming dogs often average only around three to four years, against roughly 10 to 13 for a well-kept pet, mainly because of traffic, disease and poor body condition. 8. Killing them does not reduce their numbers Removing dogs triggers the "vacuum effect": survivors breed faster and new dogs move in, so populations rebound within months. The World Health Organization states culling does not control rabies. 9. The proven alternative has a name Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (CNVR) sterilises and vaccinates dogs, then returns them to hold their territory. Over three to five years, numbers fall and rabies immunity rises. 10. Vaccinating 70% breaks rabies Immunising at least 70% of a dog population, repeated yearly, builds herd immunity that interrupts transmission. Culling never reaches that threshold. 11. Dogs drive the world's rabies deaths The WHO links up to 99% of human rabies cases to dogs, and rabies kills about 59,000 people a year, overwhelmingly in Asia and Africa. 12. Most are not dangerous In normal circumstances street dogs avoid people. Managed, vaccinated populations are associated with fewer bites than unmanaged ones. For the full picture, see our street dog species guide . The humane work above is exactly what WARN's partner clinics carry out in the field — you can quietly back it via our street dog rescue appeal if it moves you. Read the full Free-ranging dog wildlife guide for the facts, IUCN status and conservation context — or donate to WARN to help fund the local partners protecting this species.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/street-dog-12-facts-about-the-worlds-200-million-street-dogs): 12 Fascinating Facts About the World's 200 Million Street Dogs.

## Is a street dog a breed?
No. 'Street dog' describes a free-roaming way of life, not a pedigree. Most street dogs are mixed-ancestry village or pariah-type dogs rather than recognised breeds, and they belong to the same species and subspecies as pet dogs, Canis lupus familiaris.

## How many street dogs are there in the world?
The World Health Organization gives an order-of-magnitude estimate of around 200 million free-roaming dogs worldwide, concentrated across Asia, Africa and Latin America. Widely cited figures also suggest most of the world's dogs are free-roaming rather than confined household pets.

## What do street dogs eat?
Street dogs are opportunistic omnivores and human-commensal scavengers. They live mainly on human food waste, market scraps and handouts, which is why uncontrolled rubbish tends to push local dog numbers up and why managing waste is part of long-term population control.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/street-dog-are-street-dogs-dangerous-rabies-bites-explained): Are Street Dogs Dangerous? What the Evidence Really Says About Bites and Rabies.

## Summary
Most street dogs are not dangerous to humans and bite mainly when sick, scared, in pain or guarding food or puppies; the real risk is rabies, which the WHO links to dogs in up to 99% of human cases, so mass dog vaccination and prompt post-bite treatment are the key protections.

## Excerpt
Street dogs have a fearsome reputation, but most avoid people. Here is what raises the real risk, why rabies is the true danger, and what to do if you're bitten.

## Takeaway
Most street dogs are not aggressive toward people; bites usually involve sick, frightened, injured or resource-guarding dogs.

## Takeaway
Rabies, not aggression, is the real danger: the WHO links up to 99% of human rabies cases to dogs.

## Takeaway
Rabies kills roughly 59,000 people a year, mostly in Asia and Africa, and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.

## Takeaway
Vaccinating at least 70% of dogs builds herd immunity that breaks rabies transmission and reduces human risk.

## Takeaway
After a bite, wash the wound with soap and water and seek prompt post-exposure rabies treatment.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/street-dog-are-street-dogs-dangerous-rabies-bites-explained): Are Street Dogs Dangerous? What the Evidence Really Says About Bites and Rabies.

## Briefing
Are street dogs dangerous? It is the question people ask most often, and the honest answer has two halves. In normal circumstances, most street dogs are not aggressive toward humans and would rather keep their distance. But because dogs are the main source of human rabies, a bite from an unvaccinated street dog can carry a genuinely serious risk. Understanding the difference is what keeps both people and dogs safe. Most street dogs avoid confrontation A free-roaming dog's day revolves around finding food and holding a small patch of territory, not seeking out humans. Dogs typically become dangerous in specific situations: when they are sick, including with rabies; when guarding puppies or food; when in pain; or when they feel cornered or threatened. Recognising those triggers prevents the great majority of bites. Neutering and management reduce risk Veterinary and welfare evidence indicates that neutering can reduce roaming and some forms of aggression, and that managed, vaccinated dog populations are associated with fewer bites than unmanaged ones. In other words, the dogs most likely to be a problem are precisely those left unsterilised, unvaccinated and unmanaged. Rabies is the real danger, and it is a dog-linked disease The World Health Organization links up to 99% of human rabies cases to dogs. Rabies kills around 59,000 people every year, overwhelmingly in Asia and Africa, and about four in ten victims are children. The virus is carried in saliva and almost always enters through a bite. Once symptoms appear, rabies is virtually always fatal, which is why prevention matters so much more than treatment after the fact. Why vaccinating dogs protects people The single most effective way to stop human rabies is to vaccinate the dogs that spread it. Immunising at least 70% of a dog population, repeated each year, builds herd immunity that breaks the transmission chain. This is the logic behind Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return: it lowers dog numbers humanely while raising the share of vaccinated animals on the street. What to do if a street dog bites you Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for several minutes, then seek medical care promptly. Post-exposure prophylaxis — a course of rabies vaccine, with rabies immunoglobulin for severe wounds — is highly effective when started quickly. Do not wait for symptoms; with rabies, speed is everything. For the wider context on dog behaviour and humane management, read our street dog species guide . WARN's partners run the field vaccination work that lowers bite and rabies risk neighbourhood by neighbourhood; if that matters to you, our street dog rescue appeal is there. Read the full Free-ranging dog wildlife guide for the facts, IUCN status and conservation context — or donate to WARN to help fund the local partners protecting this species.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/street-dog-are-street-dogs-dangerous-rabies-bites-explained): Are Street Dogs Dangerous? What the Evidence Really Says About Bites and Rabies.

## Are street dogs aggressive toward humans?
Usually not. In normal circumstances most street dogs avoid people. They tend to become dangerous only when sick (including with rabies), when guarding food or puppies, when in pain, or when they feel cornered. Neutering and population management are associated with reduced roaming and fewer bites.

## Can you get rabies from a street dog?
Yes, if the dog is infected. Rabies is carried in saliva and almost always transmitted by a bite, and the World Health Organization links up to 99% of human rabies cases to dogs. The disease is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, so any bite from a free-roaming dog in a rabies-endemic area should be treated as a medical emergency.

## What should I do if a street dog bites me?
Immediately wash the wound with soap and running water for several minutes, then seek medical care without delay. Post-exposure prophylaxis — a rabies vaccine course, plus rabies immunoglobulin for severe bites — is highly effective when started quickly, but waiting until symptoms appear is too late.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/street-dog-how-long-do-street-dogs-live): How Long Do Street Dogs Live? The Hard Truth About Free-Roaming Lifespans.

## Summary
Free-roaming street dogs typically live only about three to four years on average, far less than the roughly 10 to 13 years of an owned dog, because of traffic, disease, parasites and poor nutrition rather than any genetic difference — they are the same species as pet dogs.

## Excerpt
A pet dog can reach 13. A street dog often gets just three or four years. Here is why free-roaming lives are so short, and what actually extends them.

## Takeaway
Free-roaming street dogs live only about three to four years on average, versus roughly 10 to 13 for owned dogs.

## Takeaway
The short lifespan is environmental, not genetic — street dogs are the same species as pet dogs.

## Takeaway
Traffic, disease, parasites and poor nutrition are the leading killers, and many puppies die before their first year.

## Takeaway
Females breed about twice a year with litters of four to six pups, so populations rebound fast after losses.

## Takeaway
Neutering and vaccination through CNVR improve welfare and tend to lengthen individual dogs' lives.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/street-dog-how-long-do-street-dogs-live): How Long Do Street Dogs Live? The Hard Truth About Free-Roaming Lifespans.

## Briefing
How long do street dogs live? Free-roaming street dogs typically live far shorter lives than owned pets — often only around three to four years on average. A well-cared-for house dog of the same species usually reaches about 10 to 13 years. The gap is stark, and it is not about genetics: a street dog is the same animal as a pet dog, Canis lupus familiaris . The difference is entirely the conditions they live in. Why free-roaming lives are so short Several pressures stack up on a dog that lives outdoors with no owner. Road traffic is a leading killer. Disease and parasites spread easily in dense, unmanaged populations. Food is unreliable, so many dogs carry poor body condition that leaves them vulnerable. Puppies are especially fragile, and many never reach their first birthday. None of this reflects weakness in the animal — it reflects a harsh environment. Fast breeding, short lives Street dogs offset short lifespans with rapid reproduction. Females come into season about twice a year, carry a litter for roughly 63 days, and typically produce four to six puppies, reaching breeding age by six to twelve months. This is exactly why simply removing dogs never controls numbers: the survivors breed quickly and replace losses within months, the so-called vacuum effect. What actually lengthens a street dog's life The humane interventions that improve welfare also tend to extend lives. Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (CNVR) sterilises and vaccinates a dog, then returns it to hold its territory. A neutered, vaccinated dog avoids the toll of repeated pregnancies, is protected against rabies and other diseases, and lives in a population that is gradually shrinking rather than churning. Over three to five years of sustained CNVR, both dog density and rabies risk fall while individual welfare rises. Street dog vs pet dog: a quick comparison Lifespan: Street dog ~3–4 years average; owned dog ~10–13 years. Main mortality causes: Traffic, disease, parasites and malnutrition vs largely age-related illness. Reproduction: Often breeding to capacity vs usually neutered. Species: Identical — both are Canis lupus familiaris. For the full biology and the science behind humane management, see our street dog species guide . The field teams that neuter, vaccinate and treat these dogs are the reason some of those short lives get longer; if you'd like to help quietly, our donation page supports that work. Read the full Free-ranging dog wildlife guide for the facts, IUCN status and conservation context — or donate to WARN to help fund the local partners protecting this species.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/street-dog-how-long-do-street-dogs-live): How Long Do Street Dogs Live? The Hard Truth About Free-Roaming Lifespans.

## How long do street dogs live on average?
Free-roaming street dogs often live only around three to four years on average, compared with about 10 to 13 years for a well-cared-for owned dog. The shorter lifespan is driven by road traffic, disease, parasites and poor body condition rather than by any biological difference, since street dogs are the same species as pet dogs.

## Why do street dogs die so young?
Free-roaming dogs face road traffic, infectious disease, heavy parasite loads and unreliable food that leaves many in poor condition. Puppies are especially vulnerable and many do not survive their first year. Sterilisation and vaccination programmes reduce disease and breeding stress and are associated with better welfare and longer lives.

## Do street dogs live longer after neutering and vaccination?
Generally yes. Neutering spares females the toll of repeated pregnancies and reduces roaming, while rabies and other vaccinations cut disease deaths. As Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return programmes lower population density and disease over several years, conditions improve for the dogs that remain, supporting longer, healthier lives.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/sumatran-rhino-12-amazing-facts): 12 Amazing Facts About the Sumatran Rhino, the World's Hairiest Rhino.

## Summary
The Sumatran rhino is the smallest, hairiest living rhinoceros — the only two-horned Asian rhino and the last surviving relative of the Ice Age woolly rhino, with fewer than about 50 individuals (an estimated 34–47) left in the wild.

## Excerpt
From its Ice Age ancestry to its whistling calls, here are 12 surprising facts about the Sumatran rhino — the smallest and rarest rhinoceros alive.

## Takeaway
The Sumatran rhino is the smallest living rhino, roughly 500–1,000 kg, and the only two-horned Asian rhino.

## Takeaway
Its coat of coarse hair is unique among living rhinos, earning it the nickname 'hairy rhino'.

## Takeaway
It is the closest living relative of the extinct woolly rhino and the last member of the genus Dicerorhinus.

## Takeaway
Fewer than about 50 survive in the wild — an estimated 34–47 individuals (IUCN).

## Takeaway
A captive-breeding programme in Indonesia has produced rare successful births, offering a lifeline.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/sumatran-rhino-12-amazing-facts): 12 Amazing Facts About the Sumatran Rhino, the World's Hairiest Rhino.

## Briefing
12 amazing facts about the Sumatran rhino The Sumatran rhino ( Dicerorhinus sumatrensis ) is one of the strangest and most endangered large mammals on Earth — a hairy, two-horned forest dweller that looks like it walked straight out of the Ice Age. Here are twelve facts that capture just how remarkable, and how fragile, this species really is. For the full picture, see our Sumatran rhino species guide . 1. It is the smallest rhino alive Standing roughly 112–145 cm at the shoulder and weighing about 500–1,000 kg, it is dwarfed by the white rhino, which can top 2,000 kg. 2. It is the hairiest rhino on Earth Its reddish-brown body is patchily covered in coarse hair — a feature no other living rhino shares, earning it the nickname the "hairy rhino." 3. It is the only two-horned Asian rhino The Javan and greater one-horned rhinos carry a single horn; the Sumatran rhino has two, like its African cousins. 4. It is a living link to the Ice Age It is the closest living relative of the extinct woolly rhinoceros and the last surviving member of the genus Dicerorhinus . 5. Fewer than about 50 remain The most recent IUCN-cited field estimate puts the wild population at roughly 34–47 animals, making it one of the rarest large mammals alive. 6. It is surprisingly vocal Sumatran rhinos communicate with whistles, squeaks and other sounds — far chattier than their larger, quieter relatives. 7. It eats from 100+ plant species As a browser it feeds on saplings, leaves, twigs, fruit and bark, consuming tens of kilograms of vegetation a day. 8. It loves a mud bath Daily wallowing cools the rhino and coats its skin to protect it from insects and sunburn. 9. It is a strong swimmer and climber Despite its bulk, it navigates steep, dense rainforest and crosses rivers with ease. 10. Calves are rare and slow to arrive After a 15–16 month gestation, a female usually produces just one calf every three to four years. 11. It is shy, not dangerous Solitary and elusive, it avoids people whenever it can — humans threaten it far more than it threatens us. 12. Captive births offer real hope A managed breeding programme in Indonesia has produced several hard-won calves, each one significant for a species this scarce. WARN helps fund the Indonesian partner teams protecting and breeding the last of these rhinos. If their story moves you, you can support the Rhino Appeal . Read the full Sumatran rhinoceros wildlife guide for the facts, IUCN status and conservation context — or donate to WARN to help fund the local partners protecting this species.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/sumatran-rhino-12-amazing-facts): 12 Amazing Facts About the Sumatran Rhino, the World's Hairiest Rhino.

## Why is the Sumatran rhino called the hairy rhino?
Unlike any other living rhino, its reddish-brown body is patchily covered in coarse hair — a trait that links it visually to its Ice Age ancestor, the woolly rhinoceros.

## How many Sumatran rhinos are left?
Fewer than about 50. The most recent IUCN-cited field estimate puts the wild population at roughly 34–47 individuals, all in fragmented forests of Indonesia.

## Is the Sumatran rhino related to the woolly rhino?
Yes. It is the closest living relative of the extinct woolly rhinoceros and the sole surviving member of the genus Dicerorhinus.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/sumatran-rhino-how-big-size-weight-speed): How Big Is a Sumatran Rhino? Size, Weight and Lifespan Explained.

## Summary
A Sumatran rhino is the smallest living rhino, standing about 112–145 cm at the shoulder, measuring 2.4–3.2 m long, and weighing roughly 500–1,000 kg (most near 700–800 kg); it lives about 35–40 years.

## Excerpt
How big, heavy and long-lived is the Sumatran rhino? Here are the numbers on the smallest rhinoceros on Earth, with how it compares to its giant cousins.

## Takeaway
The Sumatran rhino stands about 112–145 cm at the shoulder and 2.4–3.2 m in head-and-body length.

## Takeaway
It weighs roughly 500–1,000 kg (most near 700–800 kg) — the smallest of all living rhinos.

## Takeaway
A white rhino can be more than twice as heavy, exceeding 2,000 kg.

## Takeaway
Sumatran rhinos live around 35–40 years, occasionally up to about 45.

## Takeaway
Females produce just one calf every 3–4 years after a 15–16 month gestation.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/sumatran-rhino-how-big-size-weight-speed): How Big Is a Sumatran Rhino? Size, Weight and Lifespan Explained.

## Briefing
How big is a Sumatran rhino? The Sumatran rhino is the smallest living rhinoceros — but "small" is relative when you are still talking about a half-tonne mammal. Here are the key numbers, plus how it stacks up against its much larger relatives. For the full profile, visit our Sumatran rhino species guide . Height and length A Sumatran rhino stands about 112–145 cm at the shoulder — roughly chest-height to an adult human — and measures around 2.4–3.2 m in head-and-body length. That compact build helps it slip through dense rainforest where larger rhinos simply could not go. Weight Adults weigh roughly 500–1,000 kg, with most animals near 700–800 kg. To put that in perspective, a southern white rhino can exceed 2,000 kg — more than twice as heavy — so the Sumatran rhino really is the lightweight of the family. How fast and strong is it? Despite its bulk, the Sumatran rhino is agile: it is a capable swimmer and can climb steep, slippery forest terrain that would defeat a heavier animal. Rhinos in general can break into a fast run over short distances, but the Sumatran rhino's real talents are stealth and surefootedness rather than raw speed. How long does a Sumatran rhino live? In the wild and under care, Sumatran rhinos live roughly 35–40 years, with some sources citing up to about 45. Females typically produce a single calf every three to four years after a 15–16 month gestation — a slow reproductive rate that makes every birth precious for a species numbering fewer than about 50. Why its small size matters for conservation Being a forest specialist, the Sumatran rhino depends on intact lowland rainforest. As that habitat is cleared and fragmented, the last animals become isolated in tiny pockets and rarely meet to breed. Size is part of what makes this rhino special — and part of what makes protecting its shrinking forest home so urgent. WARN channels support to the Indonesian rangers and veterinarians safeguarding these rhinos; you can quietly back that effort through the Rhino Appeal if you wish. Read the full Sumatran rhinoceros wildlife guide for the facts, IUCN status and conservation context — or donate to WARN to help fund the local partners protecting this species.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/sumatran-rhino-how-big-size-weight-speed): How Big Is a Sumatran Rhino? Size, Weight and Lifespan Explained.

## How much does a Sumatran rhino weigh?
Adults weigh roughly 500–1,000 kg, with most animals around 700–800 kg — making it the smallest and lightest of the living rhinos.

## How tall is a Sumatran rhino?
It stands about 112–145 cm at the shoulder, roughly chest-height to an adult human, and measures about 2.4–3.2 m in head-and-body length.

## How long do Sumatran rhinos live?
They live roughly 35–40 years, with some sources citing up to about 45 years.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/sumatran-rhino-why-endangered-and-hope): Why Are Sumatran Rhinos Endangered — and What's Being Done to Save Them.

## Summary
Sumatran rhinos are Critically Endangered — fewer than about 50 (an estimated 34–47) remain — because decades of poaching and rainforest loss have isolated the survivors so they rarely meet to breed; recovery now depends on protecting wild rhinos and a managed breeding programme in Indonesia.

## Excerpt
With fewer than about 50 left, the Sumatran rhino is sliding toward extinction. Here's why — and why a breeding programme in Indonesia offers real hope.

## Takeaway
The Sumatran rhino is Critically Endangered (IUCN, 2020), with an estimated 34–47 left in the wild.

## Takeaway
Decades of poaching for horn cut the population by more than 80%.

## Takeaway
Habitat loss has isolated the survivors, so solitary rhinos rarely meet to breed.

## Takeaway
Recovery relies on protecting wild rhinos and a managed captive-breeding programme in Indonesia.

## Takeaway
Recent calves show the species can still reproduce, offering cautious hope.

## Briefing
Why are Sumatran rhinos endangered? The Sumatran rhino is Critically Endangered (IUCN, assessed 2020), with fewer than about 50 animals — an estimated 34–47 — surviving in fragmented forests of Indonesia. Its decline is one of the steepest of any large mammal, and the reasons are now well understood. For the full species background, see our Sumatran rhino species guide . A legacy of poaching For decades, relentless poaching for rhino horn drove the population down by more than 80%. Although poaching pressure has eased in places, it gutted the species and left only scattered survivors. Habitat loss and fragmentation The clearing of lowland rainforest for plantations, roads and settlement has carved the remaining forest into isolated pockets. The few rhinos left are now separated by landscapes they cannot safely cross. The hidden crisis: too few mates This is the threat that now matters most. Sumatran rhinos are naturally solitary and live at low density, so when groups become tiny and isolated, individuals simply stop meeting one another. Females that go too long without breeding can develop reproductive problems, compounding the decline — a quiet extinction by loneliness as much as by hunting. What's being done to save them Recovery now rests on two efforts working together. First, protecting and monitoring the last wild rhinos through anti-poaching patrols and habitat protection. Second, bringing isolated animals into a managed breeding programme so they can reproduce safely under expert care. In Indonesia, a dedicated sanctuary now cares for a small group of rhinos, and conservationists report the breeding programme is in its strongest position yet, with several proven breeding pairs and a string of hard-won calves born in recent years. Is there hope for the Sumatran rhino? Yes — cautiously. Every birth matters enormously when so few animals exist, and recent successes show the species can still reproduce when the right animals are brought together and supported. The work is slow, expensive and carried out by skilled local rangers, veterinarians and sanctuary staff in remote forest. Indonesia is one of WARN's focus countries, and we help fund those frontline partner teams rather than running operations ourselves. If you would like to help keep rangers in the field, you can support the Rhino Appeal or visit /donate . Read the full Sumatran rhinoceros wildlife guide for the facts, IUCN status and conservation context — or donate to WARN to help fund the local partners protecting this species.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/sumatran-rhino-why-endangered-and-hope): Why Are Sumatran Rhinos Endangered — and What's Being Done to Save Them.

## Why are Sumatran rhinos so endangered?
Decades of poaching for horn cut the population by more than 80%, and rainforest loss has fragmented the survivors into tiny isolated pockets. Because the rhinos are solitary and now so few, they rarely encounter mates, so breeding in the wild has nearly stalled.

## How many Sumatran rhinos are left in 2026?
Fewer than about 50. The most recent IUCN-cited field estimate is roughly 34–47 individuals across fragmented forests in Indonesia, and the wild population has not been rising.

## Can the Sumatran rhino still be saved?
There is cautious hope. A managed breeding programme in Indonesia has produced several recent calves and now has multiple proven breeding pairs, while anti-poaching patrols protect the last wild animals.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/capybara-12-amazing-facts): 12 Amazing Facts About the Capybara, the World's Largest Rodent.

## Summary
The capybara is the world's largest rodent, a semi-aquatic South American herbivore that can weigh up to about 65 kg, stay underwater for roughly five minutes, and lives in social groups near water.

## Excerpt
From holding its breath underwater to napping with just its nose above the surface, here are 12 surprising, well-sourced facts about the gentle giant of South America's wetlands.

## Takeaway
The capybara is the world's largest rodent, reaching about 1.3 m long and up to roughly 65 kg.

## Takeaway
It is semi-aquatic and can stay submerged for up to about five minutes, even sleeping with just its nose above water.

## Takeaway
Capybaras are social herbivores that live in groups of around 10-20 and graze on grasses and aquatic plants.

## Takeaway
Their incisors grow continuously and they re-ingest droppings to extract more nutrients from fibrous plants.

## Takeaway
The species is Least Concern overall but faces local pressure from hunting, wetland loss and the pet trade.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/capybara-12-amazing-facts): 12 Amazing Facts About the Capybara, the World's Largest Rodent.

## Briefing
The friendliest giant in the rodent world The capybara ( Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris ) looks like a guinea pig that never stopped growing, and in a sense that is exactly what it is. This barrel-bodied, water-loving mammal is the largest living rodent on Earth, and its calm temperament has turned it into one of the internet's most beloved animals. Behind the memes, though, is a genuinely remarkable wetland specialist. Here are twelve facts worth knowing. 12 facts about the capybara It is the world's heaviest rodent. Large adults reach about 1.3 metres (over 4 feet) in body length and can weigh up to roughly 65 kilograms (about 140 pounds). It is semi-aquatic. Partially webbed feet make the capybara a strong, confident swimmer that spends much of its day in or beside water. It can vanish underwater. A capybara can stay fully submerged for up to about five minutes to hide from predators such as jaguars, caimans and anacondas. It sleeps in the water. It can doze with only its nose poking above the surface, like a furry snorkel. Its face is built for water. Eyes, ears and nostrils all sit high on the head, so it can stay alert while almost fully submerged. Its teeth never stop growing. Like other rodents, the capybara has continuously growing incisors that are worn down by a lifetime of grazing on tough grasses. It is a committed vegetarian. The diet is grasses and aquatic plants, plus fruit and bark, and it can be remarkably selective about which grass species it crops. It eats its own droppings. Capybaras practise coprophagy, re-ingesting their dung to squeeze more nutrients from fibrous plant matter, a trick shared with rabbits. It is highly social. Herds typically number around 10 to 20 animals, occasionally swelling to 50 or more where water concentrates in the dry season. It is a chatterbox. Capybaras communicate with barks, whistles, purrs and clicks to keep the group coordinated. Its babies hit the ground running. Pups are born well-developed, eyes open, and can walk, swim and nibble plants within hours. It has a tiny cousin. A separate, smaller species, the lesser capybara, lives west of the Andes, but the familiar capybara is the giant of the genus. Why these gentle giants still need watching The capybara is listed by the IUCN as Least Concern, with a stable overall population, but that headline hides local pressure from hunting for meat and hide, wetland drainage, and capture for the exotic-pet trade. You can read the full profile in our capybara species guide . Because two of the wetland regions where local partners work, in Brazil and Colombia, sit inside the capybara's range, protecting its habitat also protects the fish, birds and caimans that share it. If you would like to help, you can support wetland habitat protection . Read the full Capybara wildlife guide for the facts, IUCN status and conservation context — or donate to WARN to help fund the local partners protecting this species.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/capybara-12-amazing-facts): 12 Amazing Facts About the Capybara, the World's Largest Rodent.

## What is the most surprising fact about capybaras?
Many people are surprised that capybaras can stay fully submerged underwater for up to about five minutes to hide from predators, and can even sleep in water with only their nose above the surface.

## Are capybaras rodents?
Yes. The capybara is a true rodent in the family Caviidae, related to guinea pigs, and it is the largest living rodent on Earth.

## Why do capybaras eat their own poop?
Capybaras practise coprophagy, re-ingesting their droppings to extract more nutrients from tough, fibrous grasses, a digestive strategy also used by rabbits.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/capybara-how-big-and-how-heavy): How Big Is a Capybara? Size, Weight and How It Swims.

## Summary
A large adult capybara reaches about 1.3 metres (over 4 feet) in body length and can weigh up to roughly 65 kilograms (about 140 pounds), making it the largest and heaviest rodent in the world.

## Excerpt
A capybara can reach the size of a large dog and the weight of an adult human. Here is how big the world's largest rodent really gets, with verified measurements.

## Takeaway
A large adult capybara reaches about 1.3 m (over 4 ft) long and up to roughly 65 kg (about 140 lb).

## Takeaway
That makes it the heaviest rodent in the world, far larger than the next-biggest rodents.

## Takeaway
Typical adults weigh about 35-66 kg and stand around 50-62 cm at the shoulder.

## Takeaway
Its size and webbed feet make it a strong swimmer that can stay underwater for about five minutes.

## Takeaway
Despite their bulk, capybaras are calm herbivores and rarely a danger to people.

## Briefing
How big is a capybara? A large adult capybara reaches about 1.3 metres (over 4 feet) in body length and can weigh up to roughly 65 kilograms (about 140 pounds), which makes it the heaviest rodent in the world. In practical terms, a big capybara stands at roughly knee to mid-thigh height on an adult human, is about as long as a Labrador, and can weigh as much as a grown person. There is no other rodent close to it in size. Typical measurements Body length: around 106-134 cm (up to about 1.3 m). Shoulder height: roughly 50-62 cm. Weight: commonly about 35-66 kg (77-146 lb), with females often a little heavier than males. Tail: essentially none, just a small vestigial stub. For comparison, the next-largest rodents, such as the beaver, top out far lighter, which is why the capybara wears the "world's largest rodent" crown without contest. Built like a swimmer The capybara's bulk is not just for show. Its barrel-shaped body, short powerful legs and partially webbed feet make it a strong swimmer that can stay submerged for up to about five minutes to escape predators. Eyes, ears and nostrils sit high on the head so it can keep watch while almost fully underwater, and it can even sleep afloat with just its nostrils breaking the surface. That semi-aquatic build is the whole point of the animal's size and shape. Does size make them dangerous? Despite being as heavy as a person, capybaras are calm, non-aggressive herbivores that pose little threat to people. Their size matters most for swimming, grazing and surviving predators, not for confrontation. You can find full measurements, lifespan and range in our capybara species guide . Keeping the wetlands these giants depend on intact is the best way to protect them, and you can help fund habitat protection in their home range across Brazil and Colombia. Read the full Capybara wildlife guide for the facts, IUCN status and conservation context — or donate to WARN to help fund the local partners protecting this species.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/capybara-how-big-and-how-heavy): How Big Is a Capybara? Size, Weight and How It Swims.

## How big is a capybara compared to a human?
A large capybara stands roughly knee to mid-thigh height on an adult and can weigh as much as a grown person, up to about 65 kg, but it is much longer and lower-bodied than a human.

## What is the biggest rodent in the world?
The capybara is the biggest rodent in the world, reaching about 1.3 m in length and up to roughly 65 kg, well ahead of the next-largest rodents such as the beaver.

## How long can a capybara stay underwater?
A capybara can stay fully submerged for up to about five minutes, using its webbed feet to swim and its high-set eyes and nostrils to stay alert near the surface.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/capybara-are-they-dangerous-to-humans): Are Capybaras Dangerous to Humans? What the Science Says.

## Summary
Capybaras are generally calm, non-aggressive herbivores that rarely threaten people, but as large wild rodents with long incisors they can bite if cornered, handled or provoked.

## Excerpt
Capybaras are famously chilled out, but they are still large wild rodents with formidable teeth. Here is an honest, sourced look at whether they pose any risk to people.

## Takeaway
Capybaras are generally calm, non-aggressive herbivores and rarely a danger to people.

## Takeaway
They are escape-first animals that flee into water rather than confront threats.

## Takeaway
They can still bite with their large incisors if cornered, handled, or provoked.

## Takeaway
Extra caution is wise around dominant males and mothers protecting pups.

## Takeaway
The bigger issue is human pressure on capybaras: hunting, wetland loss and the pet trade.

## Briefing
Are capybaras dangerous to humans? For the most part, no. Capybaras are calm, non-aggressive herbivores that rarely pose a threat to people. They are best known for their placid temperament, often seen lounging beside birds, turtles and even other mammals that perch on them. That said, a capybara is still a large wild animal weighing up to roughly 65 kilograms, equipped with long, continuously growing incisors, and like any wild creature it can bite if it feels cornered, handled or provoked. Why they are usually so docile Capybaras are grazing animals built for fleeing rather than fighting. Their defence against jaguars, caimans and anacondas is to bolt into the water and disappear, staying submerged for up to about five minutes, not to stand and confront a threat. Socially, they live in cooperative groups of around 10 to 20 animals where calm coexistence is the norm. That deep-rooted, escape-first temperament is why they so rarely show aggression toward people. When a capybara might bite If cornered or trapped with no escape route to water. If handled or restrained, especially a wild or semi-wild animal. If a dominant male feels its group or territory is challenged. If a mother is protecting young pups. Their incisors are large and sharp enough to deliver a serious wound, so wild capybaras should be observed at a respectful distance and never cornered or fed by hand. The bigger picture The real story with capybaras is not danger to humans but pressure from humans: they are hunted for meat and hide, lose wetland habitat to agriculture, and are taken for the exotic-pet trade, even though they are wild animals poorly suited to life as pets. For full details on behaviour, range and conservation, see our capybara species guide . Protecting the wetlands they live in, including partner-supported sites in Brazil and Colombia, is the most effective way to keep these gentle giants thriving, and you can support that habitat work if you would like to help. Read the full Capybara wildlife guide for the facts, IUCN status and conservation context — or donate to WARN to help fund the local partners protecting this species.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/capybara-are-they-dangerous-to-humans): Are Capybaras Dangerous to Humans? What the Science Says.

## Do capybaras attack humans?
Capybara attacks on humans are very rare. They are docile grazers that flee into water when threatened, but they can bite defensively if cornered, restrained or protecting young.

## Are capybaras good pets?
Capybaras are wild, semi-aquatic herd animals with complex needs for water, space and companionship, and they are poorly suited to life as pets. Many in the pet trade end up needing rescue or rehabilitation.

## How strong is a capybara's bite?
A capybara has large, continuously growing incisors capable of inflicting a serious wound, which is why wild animals should never be cornered or hand-fed even though they are usually placid.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/borneo-pygmy-elephant-10-amazing-facts): 10 Amazing Facts About the Borneo Pygmy Elephant, the World's Smallest Elephant.

## Summary
The Borneo pygmy elephant (Elephas maximus borneensis) is the world's smallest elephant subspecies, found only on Borneo; it stands about 2.5 to 3 metres tall, has been isolated on the island for some 300,000 years, and was listed as Endangered by the IUCN in 2024 with around 1,000 left.

## Excerpt
From tails that drag the ground to a 300,000-year island exile, here are ten true facts about the gentle, round-bellied dwarf elephant found only on Borneo.

## Takeaway
The Borneo pygmy elephant is the smallest elephant subspecies on Earth, standing about 2.5 to 3 metres at the shoulder.

## Takeaway
It has been genetically isolated on Borneo for around 300,000 years, evolving bigger ears, a longer tail and straighter tusks.

## Takeaway
Only about 1,000 remain, with roughly 400 breeding adults, almost all in Sabah, Malaysia (IUCN, 2024).

## Takeaway
It is a bulk herbivore that can eat more than 100 kg of plants a day and has one of the longest pregnancies of any land animal at about 22 months.

## Takeaway
Listed as Endangered by the IUCN in 2024 and protected under CITES Appendix I.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/borneo-pygmy-elephant-10-amazing-facts): 10 Amazing Facts About the Borneo Pygmy Elephant, the World's Smallest Elephant.

## Briefing
The gentle giant that history shrank The Borneo pygmy elephant is the smallest elephant on the planet, a rounder, sweeter-faced cousin of the mainland Asian elephant that lives only on one tropical island. It is also one of the most threatened, with the IUCN listing it as Endangered in 2024. Here are ten things worth knowing about this remarkable animal, all grounded in our full Borneo pygmy elephant species guide . 1. It really is the smallest elephant alive Adults stand roughly 2.5 to 3 metres (about 8 to 10 feet) at the shoulder, making this the smallest of all elephant subspecies and noticeably more compact than its mainland relatives. 2. It has been an island castaway for 300,000 years DNA studies show the population became genetically isolated on Borneo hundreds of thousands of years ago, long enough to evolve into a distinct, dwarfed form. 3. Its tail can almost touch the ground One of its quirkiest features is an unusually long tail that sometimes drags as the animal walks, alongside proportionally bigger ears and straighter tusks than other Asian elephants. 4. It lives in only one place on Earth Almost the entire population is in the Malaysian state of Sabah in north-eastern Borneo, with a small group across the border in Indonesia's Kalimantan. 5. There are only about 1,000 left The IUCN's 2024 assessment estimates roughly 1,000 individuals, of which only about 400 are breeding adults. 6. Herds are run by grandmothers Family herds are led by the oldest female, the matriarch, who holds the group's memory of feeding grounds and water sources. 7. It eats more than 100 kg of plants a day A bulk herbivore, it grazes on grasses and strips leaves, bark, roots, shoots and wild fruit; a single adult Asian elephant can consume well over 100 kilograms of vegetation daily. 8. Its pregnancies are among the longest on land Gestation lasts about 22 months, one of the longest of any land mammal, and almost always produces a single calf raised by the whole herd. 9. It has a reputation for being placid Keepers and field researchers often describe this subspecies as relatively calm and tolerant, though, like any wild elephant, a startled mother with a calf deserves a wide berth. 10. It is internationally protected As an Asian elephant it sits on CITES Appendix I, which bans commercial international trade in the animal or its parts. With so few left, awareness matters. You can read more in the full guide , or learn how the network supports frontline teams through the Elephant Appeal . Read the full Borneo elephant wildlife guide for the facts, IUCN status and conservation context — or donate to WARN to help fund the local partners protecting this species.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/borneo-pygmy-elephant-10-amazing-facts): 10 Amazing Facts About the Borneo Pygmy Elephant, the World's Smallest Elephant.

## What makes the Borneo pygmy elephant special?
It is the smallest elephant subspecies in the world and lives only on Borneo. Isolated on the island for around 300,000 years, it evolved a smaller, rounder body with proportionally larger ears, a longer tail and straighter tusks than mainland Asian elephants.

## How many Borneo pygmy elephants are left in the world?
About 1,000 remain according to the IUCN's 2024 assessment, of which roughly 400 are breeding adults. Almost all live in Sabah, Malaysia, with a small population in Kalimantan, Indonesia.

## Are Borneo pygmy elephants friendly?
They are often described as more placid than other elephants, but they are still large wild animals. Most serious conflict happens when habitat loss forces elephants and people into the same space, not because the elephants are naturally aggressive.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/borneo-pygmy-elephant-how-big-size-explained): How Big Is a Borneo Pygmy Elephant? The World's Smallest Elephant, Sized Up.

## Summary
A Borneo pygmy elephant stands about 2.5 to 3 metres (8 to 10 feet) tall at the shoulder, making it the smallest elephant subspecies in the world, though large bulls can still weigh roughly 5,000 kg.

## Excerpt
Despite the name, a pygmy elephant still weighs several tonnes. Here is exactly how tall, how heavy and how much smaller this island dwarf is than its mainland cousins.

## Takeaway
Borneo pygmy elephants stand about 2.5 to 3 metres (8 to 10 feet) at the shoulder, the smallest of any elephant subspecies.

## Takeaway
They are still heavy: large bulls can weigh roughly 5,000 kg, several tonnes.

## Takeaway
Their small size is a result of island isolation on Borneo for around 300,000 years.

## Takeaway
They are rounder and more compact than mainland Asian elephants, with proportionally larger ears and a longer tail.

## Takeaway
Being small has not protected them: only about 1,000 remain, and the IUCN listed them as Endangered in 2024.

## Briefing
Small for an elephant, still a giant for Borneo "Pygmy" is doing a lot of work in this animal's name. The Borneo pygmy elephant is genuinely the smallest elephant subspecies in the world, yet it is still the largest land mammal anywhere on the island of Borneo. Here is what its real measurements look like, drawn from our Borneo pygmy elephant guide . How tall is it at the shoulder? Adults generally stand around 2.5 to 3 metres tall at the shoulder, roughly 8 to 10 feet. That is shorter than a typical mainland Asian elephant and well below an African savanna elephant, the largest land animal alive today. How much does a Borneo pygmy elephant weigh? Despite the modest height, these are heavy animals. Large bulls can reach roughly 5,000 kilograms, several tonnes of muscle, bone and appetite. The "pygmy" label describes proportion and subspecies, not a small or harmless animal. Why is it smaller than other elephants? The answer is island life. Cut off on Borneo for around 300,000 years, the population evolved a more compact, rounded body, a phenomenon biologists see again and again when large mammals are confined to islands. Along with the smaller frame came proportionally larger ears, a longer tail that can nearly brush the ground, and straighter tusks. How does it compare to a mainland Asian elephant? Height: shorter at the shoulder than mainland Asian elephants. Body shape: rounder and more compact, often described as baby-faced. Ears and tail: proportionally larger ears and a longer tail. Range: Borneo only, versus a sweep from India and Sri Lanka across mainland Southeast Asia and Sumatra. Does smaller mean safer? Sadly, no. Size has not protected this subspecies from the loss of around 60% of its forest in just four decades. With only about 1,000 animals left, the IUCN classed it as Endangered in 2024. You can explore the full picture in the species guide , or back the local teams working in its range through the Elephant Appeal . Read the full Borneo elephant wildlife guide for the facts, IUCN status and conservation context — or donate to WARN to help fund the local partners protecting this species.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/borneo-pygmy-elephant-how-big-size-explained): How Big Is a Borneo Pygmy Elephant? The World's Smallest Elephant, Sized Up.

## How big is a Borneo pygmy elephant?
Adults generally stand around 2.5 to 3 metres (about 8 to 10 feet) at the shoulder. They are the smallest elephant subspecies and noticeably rounder than mainland Asian elephants, though large bulls can still weigh several tonnes.

## How much does a Borneo pygmy elephant weigh?
They weigh several tonnes, with large bulls reaching roughly 5,000 kilograms. The 'pygmy' name refers to their proportions and subspecies rather than implying a genuinely small or lightweight animal.

## Why are Borneo pygmy elephants so small?
They evolved a smaller body after being isolated on the island of Borneo for around 300,000 years, an example of island dwarfism, gaining proportionally larger ears, a longer tail and straighter tusks along the way.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/borneo-pygmy-elephant-why-endangered-conservation): Why Are Borneo Pygmy Elephants Endangered — and What's Being Done to Save Them.

## Summary
Borneo pygmy elephants are Endangered (IUCN, 2024) mainly because around 60% of their forest has been lost in 40 years to logging and oil palm, leaving about 1,000 left; conservation now centres on wildlife corridors, fencing, early-warning systems and rescuing animals caught in human-elephant conflict.

## Excerpt
Sixty percent of their forest is gone and only about 1,000 remain. Here is what pushed the world's smallest elephant onto the Endangered list, and the work giving it a chance.

## Takeaway
The IUCN listed the Borneo pygmy elephant as Endangered in 2024, with about 1,000 left and roughly 400 breeding adults.

## Takeaway
Habitat loss is the biggest threat: around 60% of its forest has been cleared in 40 years, mainly for timber and oil palm.

## Takeaway
Forest fragmentation forces elephants into farms and plantations, fuelling human-elephant conflict that can kill elephants through shooting, snaring or poisoning.

## Takeaway
Conservation focuses on wildlife corridors, electric fencing, early-warning systems, rapid-response teams and rehabilitation of injured or orphaned animals.

## Takeaway
Lasting recovery depends on local rangers, sanctuaries and community partners across Sabah and Kalimantan.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/borneo-pygmy-elephant-why-endangered-conservation): Why Are Borneo Pygmy Elephants Endangered — and What's Being Done to Save Them.

## Briefing
From abundant to Endangered in living memory In June 2024 the IUCN Red List classified the Borneo elephant as Endangered for the first time, estimating roughly 1,000 animals with only about 400 breeding adults. The population is judged to have fallen by at least half over the last three generations, a span of some 60 to 75 years. For the world's smallest elephant, the threats are concentrated and very modern. Our species guide covers the science in full; here is the short version. The biggest threat: vanishing forest The single largest driver is habitat loss. Around 60% of the elephants' forest has disappeared in just four decades, cleared first for timber and then for the vast oil-palm plantations that now blanket lowland Borneo. What forest remains is sliced apart by roads, settlements and plantation boundaries, cutting elephants off from food, water and one another. When elephants and people collide As plantations replace forest, elephants cross into farmland and estates to feed, trampling and raiding crops. The resulting conflict can be lethal for the elephants, which are sometimes shot, snared or poisoned; high-profile poisoning cases in Sabah have drawn international concern. With so few breeding adults left, every animal lost this way is a serious blow to the subspecies. Other pressures Poaching for tusks. Mining and infrastructure that fragment habitat further. Collisions with vehicles on plantation and logging roads. What's being done to save them Recovery hinges on two goals: keeping forest connected, and keeping people and elephants safely apart. In practice that means wildlife corridors linking the remaining core habitat blocks through plantation country, electric fencing and early-warning systems to cut crop raids, rapid-response teams that move elephants out of danger, and the rescue and rehabilitation of injured or orphaned animals. Because so much of the range sits inside working plantations, lasting solutions depend on local rangers, sanctuaries and community partners on the ground in Sabah and Kalimantan. Is there hope? Yes. The subspecies is often described as relatively placid, and where corridors and conflict-reduction measures are in place, elephants and communities can share a landscape. The challenge is scaling that work fast enough. Both range states sit among the countries where our network funds vetted local partners; a gift to the Elephant Appeal helps those frontline teams keep going. You can read the full story in the Borneo pygmy elephant guide . Read the full Borneo elephant wildlife guide for the facts, IUCN status and conservation context — or donate to WARN to help fund the local partners protecting this species.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/borneo-pygmy-elephant-why-endangered-conservation): Why Are Borneo Pygmy Elephants Endangered — and What's Being Done to Save Them.

## Why are Borneo pygmy elephants endangered?
The main reason is habitat loss: around 60% of their forest has been cleared in four decades, mostly for timber and oil-palm plantations. Fragmentation then drives human-elephant conflict, and the IUCN estimates only about 1,000 elephants remain, leading to its 2024 Endangered listing.

## What is being done to protect Borneo pygmy elephants?
Conservation efforts focus on wildlife corridors that reconnect forest, electric fencing and early-warning systems to reduce crop raids, rapid-response teams that move elephants away from danger, and the rescue and rehabilitation of injured or orphaned animals, all led by local partners in Sabah and Kalimantan.

## How many Borneo pygmy elephants are left?
About 1,000 remain according to the IUCN's 2024 assessment, of which roughly 400 are breeding adults, almost all in Sabah, Malaysia, with a small population in Kalimantan, Indonesia.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/hyacinth-macaw-11-amazing-facts): 11 Amazing Facts About the Hyacinth Macaw, the Cobalt Giant of the Pantanal.

## Summary
The Hyacinth Macaw is the world's largest flying parrot — a cobalt-blue, roughly one-metre-long Brazilian bird with a wingspan over four feet and a beak strong enough to crack rock-hard palm nuts, listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN.

## Excerpt
From a beak that cracks rock-hard palm nuts to a wingspan over four feet, here are 11 surprising, source-checked facts about the world's largest flying parrot.

## Takeaway
The Hyacinth Macaw is the world's largest flying parrot at about one metre long with a wingspan over four feet.

## Takeaway
It is a palm-nut specialist whose powerful beak cracks acuri and bocaiuva nuts almost no other animal can open.

## Takeaway
In the Pantanal it nests almost exclusively in cavities of the manduvi tree, tying breeding to one tree species.

## Takeaway
It can live 30 to 50 years in the wild and over 50 years in captivity, but breeds slowly with just one or two eggs per clutch.

## Takeaway
The IUCN lists it as Vulnerable with roughly 4,300 mature individuals (2021); Brazil reassessed it as Endangered nationally after the 2020 fires.