Sumatran tiger
Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae)
There are about 400 Sumatran tigers throughout the world today, many in zoos in Europe, Australia and North America. The single largest population in the wild is found in the national parks, forest reserves and tiger conservation zones of Indonesia.
The tiger is the largest of the felids, although the Sumatran is smaller than the Indian tiger. They hunt mouse deer, wild pigs, monkeys, lizards and snakes, and may occasionally kill a rhinoceros or elephant calf for food. Only about 1/10 or 1/20 attempts to catch prey is successful. Tigers are a territorial species, and their hunting grounds generally span several dozen hundred hectares.
Sumatran tigers live in areas with moderate to dense foliage, as they rely on ambushing their prey. Their stripes act as camouflage when crouching behind tall grass and other jungle undergrowth.
They are sometimes seen near waterfalls and other water sources in hot weather, cooling themselves. Sumatran tigers have webbed toes, and are good swimmers known to cross several rivers in search of prey.
The Sumatran tiger is listed as an endangered species, as poaching, habitat destruction, human population growth and development have contributed to a severe decline in population. It has also been hunted exclusively for its characteristic striped pelt.
Its body parts, including its teeth, bones, claws, innards, eyes and genital organs are used in various traditional medicines said to increase libido and virility. Poachers also hunt female tigers with a litter, killing the mother for her parts and reselling the cubs as "exotic" pets.
In Indonesia, it is illegal for an individual to own a tiger or any other endangered animal.
Quick facts
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Carnivora Family: Felidae Genus: Panthera Species: Tigris Subspecies: Sumatrae
Avg length: 2.4 m (from nose to tip of tail) Avg weight: 100-170 kg Gestation: 103 days Offspring: 2-4 cubs Life Span: 10-15 yrs in the wild; 20 yrs in captivity
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Sources: various