Hunt History

Humans have hunted Dicerorhinus sumatrensis since the Late Pleistocene, when it shared its range with early modern humans and other megafauna across tropical and subtropical Asia. Its slow speed, large size, and habit of frequenting forest edges and riverbanks made it a high-value but dangerous prey. Hunters likely used wooden and stone-tipped spears, ambush traps, and pitfall systems to bring down the animal. Rhino horns and bones were also collected for ritual purposes, a tradition that persisted into historical times.

Earliest Archaeological Evidence of Human Predation:

Lang Rongrien Cave, Southern Thailand – Late Pleistocene layers (~38,000–27,000 BP) yielded Dicerorhinus remains with cut marks and percussion fractures associated with human activity.

Niah Cave, Borneo – Rhinoceros bones found in association with Upper Paleolithic stone tools (~45,000 BP), suggesting butchery or scavenging by early humans.

Hang Hum Site, Northern Vietnam – Pleistocene faunal remains of Dicerorhinus alongside human artifacts (~20,000 BP) indicate exploitation of rhinoceroses for meat and materials.