Tigers are endangered

Tigers are endangered

The Sumatran tiger is one of six sub-species of tigers that still survive to this day and are included in the classification of critically endangered species (critically endangered). Total population in the wild is only about 400 individuals. As the primary predator in the food chain, the tiger preserve wild prey populations that are under control and that the balance between prey and vegetation that they eat can be maintained.

Sumatran tiger faces two types of threats in order to survive: they lost their habitat due to the high rate of deforestation and threatened by illegal trade in which body parts sold at high prices on the black market for traditional medicines, jewelry, amulets and decorations. Sumatran tigers are found only on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia.

Physical Characteristics

Sumatran tigers have a relatively minor compared to all the sub-species of tigers are alive today. Adult male can have up to 60 cm high and long from head to toe to 250 cm and weigh up to 140 kg. Tigress has an average length of 198 cm and weighing up to 91 kg. Sumatran tiger skin color is the darkest of all tigers, ranging from yellow-red to dark orange.

Threat

Sumatran tigers are on the edge of extinction because of habitat loss uncontrollably, a reduced number of prey species, and hunting. 2008 report released by TRAFFIC - a joint program of WWF and the World Conservation organizations, IUCN, for the wildlife trade monitoring - find a flourishing illegal markets and the domestic market is open to the trade in Sumatran tiger body parts. In the TRAFFIC study revealed that at least 50 Sumatran tigers have been hunted each year in the period 1998 to 2002. Harsh crackdown to stop tiger poaching and trade must be done in Sumatra.

Sumatran tiger population is only about 400 individuals left in the current blocks of lowland forests, peatlands, mountains and rainforests. Most of the area is threatened forest clearance for agricultural land and commercial plantations, as well as encroachment by logging and road building activities. Along with the loss of their forest habitat, the tiger had entered the area more closely related to humans and are often killed or captured since strayed into rural areas or due to accidental encounters with humans.

Riau Province is home to a third of the population of Sumatran tigers. Unfortunately, although it is protected by law, the tiger population has declined by 70 percent in the last quarter century. In Riau province, is currently estimated to be only 192 tigers left in Riau.

Efforts Do WWF

WWF is working with the Government of Indonesia, conservation organizations, and local communities to save Sumatran tigers from extinction. WWF also trying to approach and work with companies with concessions threaten tiger habitat so that they are able to implement land management practices are better (Better Management Practices) and sustainable. Government of Indonesia in 2004 has been declared an important area, Tesso Nilo, a national park to ensure the protection of elephants and Sumatran tigers in the wild. WWF has also participated actively in the preparation of Strategy and Action Plan for Sumatran Tiger Conservation 2007-2017 led by the Ministry of Forestry.

Currently, WWF is conducting scientific research on Sumatran tigers in Riau by using camera traps (camera trapping) to estimate population size, habitat, and distribution of animal camouflage, as well as for identifying wildlife corridors in need of protection. WWF - together with relevant partners in the field - also formed a team of anti-poaching patrols and education and awareness team assigned to assist local communities to mitigate human-tiger conflict in areas prone to tiger conflict.

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