Endangered Species: Sunda Tiger

 Sunda Tiger

The Sunda Island tiger is a tiger subspecies native to the Sunda Islands in Indonesia. The name refers to the: Javan tiger (the extinct tiger population of Java Bali tiger). The average life span of these tigers are around 15-20 years. They are a very majestic species that can weigh around 310 pounds. As of now, there are less than 400 Sunda Tiger's left in the world. The Sunda Tiger is also considered the most critically endangered tiger subspecies. 

Habitat and Range

Sunda Tigers were once found on multiple Indonesian islands. Today they can only be found in patches of forests located on the island of Sumatra; from the coastal lowland forests of Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park on the southern tip of the island to the dense mountainous forests of the Gunung Leuser National Park in the north.

Role In the Ecosystem 

The island of Sumatra is the only place where tigers, rhinos, orangutans, and elephants live together in the wild. The presence of the Sunda tiger is an important indicator of a forest's health and biodiversity. Protecting tigers and their habitat means many other species benefit—including people.

Cause of Decline

Most Sunda Tigers are sadly being killed for commercial gain. according to a survey from "TRAFFIC", the global wildlife trade monitoring network, poaching for trade is responsible for almost 80% of estimated Sumatran tiger deaths. Dispersal of tigers in search of their territory and habitat destruction forces tigers out of protected areas and into human-occupied spaces— where they are more likely to come into conflict with people. Like other parts of the tiger’s range, human-tiger conflict is a serious problem in Sumatra. People have been killed or wounded, and livestock falls prey to tigers. Retaliatory action by villagers can result in the killing of tigers.

                                   Why Should We Care?

Tigers play an important role in the health and diversity of an ecosystem. It is a top predator which is at the apex of the food chain and keeps the population of wild ungulates in check, thereby maintaining the balance between herbivores and the vegetation upon which they feed. Therefore, the presence of tigers in the forest is an indicator of the well being of the ecosystem. The extinction of this top predator is an indication that its ecosystem is not sufficiently protected, and neither would it exist for long thereafter.

Current Conservation Efforts

1. Being considered "federally protected
2. Rainforest Action has a petition to protect the Leuser Ecosystem and the Sunda Tiger from big companies that use palm oil from palm oil plantations
3. Putting fourth education and policy-changing efforts
4. Putting together national tiger protection programs
5. Working with communities to reduce human-tiger conflict
6. Addressing illegal logging and enroachment
7. Conducting scientific research to improve conservation techniques

How Geography Can Help

Sunda Tigers used to rome around on multiple Indonesian islands. Now, they are only found on the island up Sumatra. Because of deforestation and the destruction of forests/rainforests, these animals have to leave their protected areas and move closer to the human population. If we are able to track and tag these tigers, in a safe and non-harmful way, we will see these patterns and help them get back to the protected areas of the forests. 

Ways to Help

1. Switch to forest friendly products
2. Be a responsible tourist
3. Voice your concerns with policy makers
4. Help prevent wildlife trade
5. Spread the word!