The tragedy of the commons theory is one that has been extensively explored by Garrett Hardin. It is proposed that the consumption of a common pool resource (natural resource to which many individuals have unrestricted access) eventually becomes depleted, because individuals are utility maximizing and will seek to utilize these resources to their benefit.

This theory is befitting of the situation in Sumatra, where the said common pool resources are in the form of forest areas as well as Sumatran tigers, of which individuals have full access to. In actuality, access is restricted owing to governmental laws against forest fires, and national parks which attempt to protect Sumatran tigers. However, owing to poor regulation and implementation of laws, individuals are still able to access these resources with relative ease, and get away scot-free for it.

Just as the theory predicts, these common pool resources are quickly depleting, evident in the “critically endangered” label placed on Sumatran tigers today, and the fact that less than 50% of the islands original forests remain today. Therefore, as with all other common pool resources, the tragedy of the commons theory adequately explains the actions of the Sumatrans on their environment and the Sumatran tigers.