Sumatran Tiger

Fast Facts

DID YOU KNOW? Of the nine subspecies of tiger that once roamed theEarth, only six are left. The Javan, Bali and CaspianTigers all became extinct in the twentieth century.

In total, there are as few as 3,200 tigers left in thewild. Sumatran Tigers are excellent swimmers. Whenthey hunt, they often chase hoofed animals into thewater. Because of their hoofs, the animals can’t swimvery well and are easier to catch.

DescriptionThe Sumatran Tiger is the smallest of the tiger subspecies. This smaller sizeallows it to move through the forest quickly. Its stripes are also thinner thanother tigers, assisting with camouflage in the shadows. Unlike other cats, tigerslike to swim. Sumatran Tigers have partial webbing between their toes, whichmakes them very fast swimmers. Sumatran Tigers also have a white 'beard'.

DietTigers are carnivores and will eat whatever they can catch, including fish,crocodiles and fowl, with the most common larger prey being wild pigs anddeer.

In the wildThe tiger is a solitary animal. A male will control a territory that contains anumber of females. Tigers mark their territories by spraying scent on trees orbushes.

ThreatsTigers have been poached for their body parts which are used in traditionalmedicine. Habitat destruction is also a major cause for their decline. There arenow estimated to be fewer than 500 Sumatran Tigers left in the wild.

At Perth ZooAll major zoos in Australia are involved in a regional breeding program forSumatran Tigers. Perth Zoo’s Sumatran Tigers can be seen in the AsianRainforest.

Scientific Name: Panthera tigris sumatrae

Conservation Status: Critically Endangered

Body Length: 2.2–2.4 m

Weight: 85–110 kg

Gestation: 90–110 days

Number of young: 1

Habitat: Lowland to mountain forests

Distribution: Sumatra, Indonesia

Distribution

EX EW EN NT LC

Extinct Least ConcernThreatened

CR VU