What the WWF is Doing and How you Can Help

The WWF is actively helping the Sumatran government create land-use plans, in order to preserve the tiger's habitat whilst balancing the needs for housing and farmland within Sumatra. They are also decreasing the number of poachers by helping law enforcers increase surveillance. This includes patrolling forests by removing traps and gathering information about wildlife crime. WWF are also using cameras to calculate population size and habitat use of the tigers within the island.

You can help by stopping wildlife crime and traveling with WWF. You can start now by donating and visiting their website - WWF

How is the Sumatran Tiger Expolited and Why it is Endangered

Many of the Sumatran tigers are killed for commercial gain. Their tiger bone is sold on black market for very high prices, hence why poachers are very keen on the specie. Their fur and skin can also be used for decorations. Every year 78% of Sumatran tiger deaths are caused by poachers, amounting to about 40 animals a year. There is also evidence that Sumatran tiger parts are smuggled out of Indonesia. A 140kg shipment of tiger bones were confiscated in Taiwan in 2005 after leaving Indonesia.

The main reason why the Sumatran tiger is critically endangered is due to their loss of habitat. The forests of Sumatra have been greatly reduced to use for farming and housing. In addition, illegal timber harvesting is not well policed in Indonesia. Between 1985 and 1997, nearly 26,000 square miles of forest was lost - that's about the size of Tasmania! The picture below shows the shocking loss of forest in Sumatra since 1985.

What is the Sumatran Tiger?

The Sumatran tiger is a specie which is exclusive to the Indonesian island of Sumatra. It has been classified as "critically endangered' since 2008, with its current population set to only be around 400.

The map below shows their distribution within the island of Sumatra. Without protection, the Sumatran tiger may become extinct, just like its relatives, the Balinese and Javan tigers.