The Sumatran elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus) is one of three recognized subspecies of the Asian elephant, and native to the Indonesian island of Sumatra. It is the smallest of the three subspecies, and is critically endangered, with a population of only around 2,400-2,800 individuals remaining.

Sumatran elephants are herbivores, and their diet consists of a wide variety of plants, including grasses, fruits, leaves, bark, and roots. They play an important role in the forest ecosystem by dispersing seeds and helping to maintain plant diversity.

Sumatran elephants are social animals, and live in herds of up to 100 individuals. The herds are typically led by a matriarch, who is the oldest and most experienced female. Sumatran elephants have a complex social structure, and communicate with each other using a variety of vocalizations, body language, and scent markings.

Sumatran elephants are facing a number of threats, including habitat loss, poaching, and human-elephant conflict. Habitat loss is the biggest threat, as the elephants’ forest habitat is being cleared for agriculture, logging, and development. Poaching is another serious threat, as elephants are killed for their ivory and other body parts. Human-elephant conflict also occurs, as elephants sometimes raid crops or damage property in search of food.

Conservation efforts are underway to protect the Sumatran elephant, but more needs to be done to ensure its survival. These efforts include protecting habitat, reducing poaching, and mitigating human-elephant conflict.