Portal:Indonesia/AOTW/14, 2007



The Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) is found only on the Indonesian island of Sumatra and is the smallest of all tiger subspecies. Its small size makes it easier to move through the jungle. It has webbing between its toes that, when spread, makes sumatran tigers very fast swimmers.

The wild population is estimated at between 400 and 500 animals, occurring predominantly in the island's national parks. It lives anywhere from lowland forests to mountain forest and inhabit many unprotected areas. Tigers can breed at any time of year, though they typically breed during the winter or spring, and the gestation period is about 103 days. Normally they have 2 or 3 cubs, but can have as many as 6.

Recent genetic testing has revealed the presence of unique genetic markers, indicating that it may develop into a separate species, if it is not made extinct. This has led to suggestions that the Sumatran tiger should have greater priority for conservation than any other subspecies. Habitat destruction is the main threat to the existing tiger population (logging continues even in the supposedly protected national parks), but 66 tigers were recorded as being shot and killed between 1998 and 2000—nearly 20% of the total population.(Read more...)