OVERVIEW
The Sumatran tiger is a rare species of tiger that is found in the islands of Sumatra and Borneo. Its closest relatives are the now extinct Bali and Javan tigers. They are commonly found in forests with high elevation. The Sumatran tiger was classified as critically endangered by the IUCN as the population is estimated to be between 441 to 679 individuals, with no subpopulation having more individuals than 50 and a declining trend. Their population continues to decline due to habitat loss, prey-base depletion, illegal domestic trading, and poaching, among other human concerns. Despite being given full protection in Indonesia and worldwide, tiger parts are still commonly found for open trade in Sumatra.
DID YOU KNOW?
- Sumatran tigers have stripes that are grouped closer together than other tigers, which aids them in hiding within the high grass as they stalk their prey.
- The IUCN has classified the Sumatran tiger as critically endangered.
- The Sumatran tiger's scientific name is Panthera tigris sumatrae.
