The Sumatran Tiger: A Case Study

Across the globe, the Sumatran tiger (Panthera Tigris Sumatrae) is the smallest subspecies of tigers that remains today- averaging a length of 2.4m from head to tail and weighing between 100-170kg. Their stripes are narrower in comparison to their tiger counterparts, and they generally possess acute senses of sight and hearing. Sumatran tigers also have webbing between their toes, such that they are able to travel both on land and in water. These characteristics enable them to navigate through the jungles swiftly and camouflage with greater effectiveness, thereby increasing their chances of survival (in terms of hiding from predators and catching prey). This has proven to be true in the fact that these tigers, although dwindling in numbers, still survives in all 8 provinces of Sumatra today.

As its name suggests, the Sumatran tiger originated from the island of Sumatra, and remains to be found only within the island today. In the distant past, the country of Indonesia had 3 species of free roaming tigers- the Javan, Bali and Sumatran tigers. However, owing to several factors over the years, both the Javan and Bali species have since become extinct, leaving the Sumatran tiger as the sole surviving species of tigers within the country. The Sumatran tiger has been said to play an important role in the maintenance of balance within the ecological system by preventing the overpopulation of their preys. Additionally, the tigers also provide benefits to the human population in nearby regions. One fine example that links the two aforementioned roles is seen in its regulation of the pig and large ungulates populations, both of which become agricultural pests when overpopulated.

Unfortunately, while the tigers do have their important contributions to the ecology, they have often times come into conflict with the human population on the island- both directly and indirectly. Not surprisingly, this human-tiger conflict has resulted in a island-wide decrease in the Sumatran tiger population. Where the Sumatran tiger once numbered in the tens of thousands and were found across the island, only an estimated 400 remain today, their accessibility now restricted to fragmented areas within the island. These include the island’s national parks and isolated protected areas.

These conflicts are still rampant today, and the Sumatran tigers continue to decrease in numbers. At current, they are a “critically endangered” species that is in dire need of protection (as characterized by the 2002 IUCN Red List). There is an essential need for a step up of current conservation efforts, as well as for the human population to identify with the tiger’s important place in the ecosystem. Otherwise, Indonesia might very well see the demise of the entire tiger population within the next couple of years.