Malaysia's last surviving male Sumatran rhino Tam, believed to be in his 30s, died on 27 May 2019 after suffering from kidney and liver damage. Photo:WWF-Malaysia / Facebook
Malaysia’s last surviving male Sumatran rhino Tam, believed to be in his 30s, died on 27 May 2019 after suffering from kidney and liver damage. Photo:WWF-Malaysia / Facebook

By Julia Jacobo
28 May 2019

(ABC News) – The last male Sumatran rhinoceros in Malaysia has died, eliminating the likelihood of saving the species in the country, according to animal conservationists.

Less than 100 Sumatran rhinos are left in the world, according to the Borneo Rhino Alliance (BORA). They are scattered across the wild in Indonesia and unable to find each other for breeding.

On Sunday, Tam was “nearing the end,” according to BORA, adding that all caretakers could do was look after him and keep him comfortable. Tam died on Monday at about 35 years old.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news that Tam, Malaysia’s last male Sumatran rhino, has passed away,” the organization said in a Facebook post. […]

One female Sumatran rhinos, named Iman, is still living in Malaysia. Attempts to breed her with Tam naturally were unsuccessful, according to the Borneo Rhino Alliance. […]

Prolonged poaching for their horns contributed to the dwindling population size and their habitat was lost and degraded by invasive species, road construction and encroachment for agricultural expansion. [more]

Last male Sumatran rhino in Malaysia dies, eliminating chance of saving the species in the country