Sumatran Tiger

The Sumatran tiger is the smallest tiger subspecies, with shorter fur and darker stripes, than other living tiger subspecies, with males weighing 100 to 140 kg (220-310 lbs) and females weighing 75 to 110 kg (170-240 lbs). Only found on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, current estimates place the total population at around 600 individuals, confined primarily to 58,000 km2 in 4 main landscapes, the largest of which contains approximately 140 tigers. 

Threats to Sumatran tigers vary regionally, but in general mirror those faced by the other tiger subspecies. In northern Sumatra, expansion of palm oil plantations into tiger habitat is increasing incidences of human-tiger conflict, resulting in the retaliatory killing of tigers. Furthermore, agricultural expansion has increased wild pig populations, which draws tigers into close proximity with humans. Some tigers are caught in snares set for other wildlife and subsequently sold to international wildlife smugglers. In southern Sumatra, habitat loss is providing greater access to tiger habitats, leading to increased poaching of tigers and their prey.

Current conservation initiatives in Sumatra are aimed at reducing poaching and human-tiger conflict, and the continued monitoring of tiger and prey populations to assess the effectiveness of conservation efforts. To learn more about these efforts and how you can help, visit the Tiger Conservation Campaign website.