The
Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) is a subspecies of tiger found
on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Recent genetic testing has revealed
the presence of unique genetic markers, which isolate Sumatran tigers
from all mainland subspecies. Currently, there are only 100-400 Sumatran
tigers left in the wild.The Sumatran tiger is the smallest of all
extant tiger subspecies. Male Sumatran tigers average 204 cm (6 feet, 8
inches) in length from head to tail and weigh about 136 kg. Females
average 198 cm (6 feet, 6 inches) in length and weigh about 91 kg. Its
stripes are narrower than other subspecies of tigers' stripes, and it
has a more bearded and maned appearance, especially the males. Its small
size makes it easier to move through dense rain forests. It has webbing
between its toes that, when spread, makes Sumatran tigers very fast
swimmers. It has been known to drive hoofed prey into the water,
especially if the prey animal is a slow swimmer.
Sumatran tigers commonly prey on larger ungulates, like wild boar,
tapir and deer, and sometimes also smaller animals, like fowl, monkeys,
and fish. Orangutans could be prey, but since they spend a minimal
amount of time on the ground, tigers rarely catch one.
Genetics and evolution
Analysis of DNA is consistent with the hypothesis that the Sumatran
Tigers have been isolated after a rise in sea level at the Pleistocene
to Holocene border (about 12,000-6,000 years ago) from other tiger
populations. In agreement with this evolutionary history, the Sumatran
Tiger is genetically isolated from all living mainland tigers, which
form a distinct group, closely related among each other.[2]
Habitat
The Sumatran tiger is only found naturally in Sumatra, a large island in
western Indonesia. It lives anywhere from lowland forests to mountain
forest and inhabits many unprotected areas. Only about 400 live in game
reserves and national parks, The largest population of about 110 tigers
lives in Gunung Leuser National Park. Another 100 live in unprotected
areas that will soon be lost and the rest are spread out in areas that
are quickly being lost to agriculture. The reserves are not safe
because, despite conservation efforts, many tigers are killed by
poachers each year. The Sumatran tiger is found only on the Indonesian
island of Sumatra in habitat that ranges from lowland forest to sub
mountain and mountain forest including some peat moss forests. According
the Tiger Information Centre and the World Wildlife Fund there are no
more than 500 of these tigers left in the wild with some estimates
considerably lower.
The continuing loss of habitat is intensifying the crises to save
this tiger.
Conservation
In 2007, the Indonesian Forestry Ministry and Safari Park established
cooperation with the Australia Zoo for the conservation of Sumatran
Tigers and other endangered species. The cooperation agreement was
marked by the signing of a Letter of Intent on 'Sumatran Tiger and other
Endangered Species Conservation Program and the Establishment of a
Sister Zoo Relationship between Taman Safari and Australia Zoo' at the
Indonesian Forestry Ministry office on July 31, 2007. The program
includes conserving Sumatran Tigers and other endangered species in the
wild, efforts to reduce conflicts between tigers and humans and
rehabilitating Sumatran Tigers and reintroducing them to their natural
habitat.
The Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem, Israel is part of an international
matchmaking program designed to mate Sumatran tigers and save them from
extinction. |
