“Malaysian’s Last Male Sumatran Rhinoceros Has Died”

Source: Borneo Rhino Alliances

by Farah Hazwani

On May 29 2019, we were shocked by the news of the death of Malaysia’s last male Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) called Tam or Kertam. According to the Borneo Rhino Alliance, Tam was known to be a ‘gentleman’, and had a calm and steady manner. Feeling bad and sad after I heard this news because as a human being and I did not do anything for this kind of species. I’m sorry Tam.

Meanwhile, according to Tam’s keepers, he noticed the 30 to 35 years old rhinos lost appetite and had less response since last April. Tam’s precise cause of death will remain unclear until an autopsy process has been confirmed. 

“Regrettably, Tam died at mid-day, a round noon on Monday. Everything that could possibly have been done, was done, and executed with great love and dedication.

“His last week involved the most intense palliative care humanly possible, rendered by the Borneo Rhino Alliance (BORA) team under veterinarian Dr Zainal Zahari Zainuddin, at the Borneo Rhino Sanctuary in Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Sabah. 

“Tam’s passing was likely linked with old age and multiple organ failure stemming from kidney and liver damage.” Said the Malaysian Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew according to Malay Mail.

A wildlife team found the male rhinoceros at the Kretam oil palm plantation in Tawau in Aug 2010. At the time he was found, the rhinoceros was thought to be in its mid-20s. After that, Tam was taken to the Tabin Wildlife Reserve where it had lived ever since.

Source: New Straits Times

 

Previously, during Tam was captured, they also found two other rhino which named Puntung and Iman. But on June 2017, 20 years old female Puntung also died because of squamous cell cancer suffers. In the Puntung cases Mr. Augustine Tuuga which is the Sabah Wildlife Department director said the cancer has been spreading rapidly over the past few weeks and Puntung can no longer breathe through her left nostril. She can no longer vocalise, she is in pain and her condition is weakening fast, according to The Star online. 

Source: The Borneo Post

Hence, not just Tam and Puntung are affected by the disease. Iman, on the other hand, also suffers from an ailment common among female Sumatran rhinos, who can develop cysts and fibroids in their reproductive system. 

According to WWF Malaysia, there were 60 rhinos in Peninsular Malaysia and around 30 to 70 rhinos on the island of Borneo, all in Sabah. A captive Sumatran rhino lived for at least 32 years and 8 months. The Sumatran rhinoceros is the last surviving species in the same group as the extinct animals. It also known as one of the world’s rarest mammals.

Among the efforts taken by WWF in both Asia and Africa to save the rhino population is establishing new protected areas and improving their management. Preparing conducive place for the species and give them a beneficial care in terms of medicine, foods and habitats.   

Next, is to improve the security monitoring to protect rhinos from poaching, protect the rhino’s habitats and also protect their horns from the poachers. 

Then, to improve local and international law enforcement to stop the flow of rhino horns and other illegal wildlife trades item. Take an action to the poachers and charged them under criminal cases.

Lastly, is to promote well-managed wildlife based on tourism experiences that will also provide additional funding for conservation efforts. Furthermore, we can educate people around the world on how important this species is to our world and also promote campaign to save rhino collaborations with NGOs, private companies and public.

As a human who a have sense of loving towards animals, I encourage all Malaysians to protect our beloved animals together and make some donations to supports their facilities. I hope we can save our extinct species such as the Sumateran Rhinos so the upcoming generations may be able to witness them.