Sumatran Tiger Facts (Panthera Tigris Sumatrae)
Native to the Indonesian island of Sumatra, this species is the smallest of the surviving tiger species and is distinguished by its darker coat and denser stripes.
fun and interesting facts about the Sumatran Tiger (Panthera Tigris Sumatrae) For kids
Smallest Tiger Subspecies: The Sumatran tiger is the smallest of all tiger subspecies, making it easier for them to move through their dense forest habitat.
Unique Stripes: These tigers have the most stripes of any tiger subspecies, which helps them blend into their forested surroundings in Indonesia.
Strong Swimmers: Sumatran tigers are excellent swimmers and they often hunt and play in water.
Island Home: They are found only on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, which is the only place in the world where you can find these tigers in the wild.
Endangered Species: Sumatran tigers are critically endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, and conflicts with humans, with only a few hundred left in the wild.
These facts showcase the unique characteristics and the urgent conservation needs of the Sumatran tiger, highlighting their role in the biodiversity of their habitat.
About the Sumatran Tiger; subspecies: Panthera Tigris Sumatrae
- Location: Found only on the Indonesian island of Sumatra.
- Stripe Pattern: The stripes are narrower, denser, and more numerous than in other tiger subspecies.
- Color: The fur is darker and the mane area around the face is more pronounced, suitable for jungle camouflage.
The Sumatran tiger is the smallest of all tiger subspecies
The Sumatran tiger, also known as Panthera tigris sumatrae, is the smallest of all tiger subspecies and is found exclusively on the Indonesian island of Sumatra.
These majestic creatures are known for their dark orange fur with narrow stripes, which help them blend into the dense forests.
Sumatran tiger threats
Sumatran tigers face numerous threats that have led to their critically endangered status.
Deforestation and habitat loss due to the expansion of palm oil plantations have significantly reduced their natural habitat.
Additionally, illegal hunting for their skin and body parts, which are highly valued in traditional Asian medicine, has also contributed to their decline.
Sumatran tiger Conservation
Conservation organizations like the WWF and WCS are actively working to protect the Sumatran tiger.
They collaborate with governments and local communities to establish protected areas and conservations corridors that provide safe habitats for these tigers. Anti-poaching efforts are also a priority, with strict enforcement of laws against tiger hunting and illegal wildlife trade.
In addition to these conservation efforts, research and monitoring play a crucial role in understanding and protecting the Sumatran tiger population.
Conservation organizations work closely with scientists and researchers to gather data on their numbers, behavior, and ecology.
This information helps in effectively planning conservation strategies and identifying areas that need immediate attention.
Tiger Species Sizes
Here’s a table ordering the 9 tiger subspecies by body size length, including average weight and country of origin:
| Subspecies | Average Body Length (Male) | Average Weight (Male) | Country of Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Siberian (Amur) tiger | 270-330 cm (8.9-10.8 ft) | 180-306 kg (397-675 lb) | Russia, China, North Korea |
| Bengal tiger | 270-310 cm (8.9-10.2 ft) | 200-260 kg (440-570 lb) | India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan |
| Caspian tiger (extinct) | 270-295 cm (8.9-9.7 ft) | 170-240 kg (375-530 lb) | Central Asia, Iran, Turkey |
| Indochinese tiger | 255-285 cm (8.4-9.3 ft) | 150-195 kg (330-430 lb) | Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia |
| Malayan tiger | 237-280 cm (7.8-9.2 ft) | 120-180 kg (265-397 lb) | Malay Peninsula |
| South China tiger | 230-265 cm (7.5-8.7 ft) | 127-177 kg (280-390 lb) | South-central China |
| Javan tiger (extinct) | 220-255 cm (7.2-8.4 ft) | 100-141 kg (220-311 lb) | Java, Indonesia |
| Sumatran tiger | 220-250 cm (7.2-8.2 ft) | 100-140 kg (220-310 lb) | Sumatra, Indonesia |
| Bali tiger (extinct) | 220-230 cm (7.2-7.5 ft) | 90-100 kg (198-220 lb) | Bali, Indonesia |
This table is organized from largest to smallest based on average body length for males.
References:
- https://ielc.libguides.com/sdzg/factsheets/tiger/characteristics
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger
- https://seaworld.org/animals/all-about/tiger/characteristics/
It’s important to note that:
- Measurements can vary between individuals and studies.
- Females are generally smaller than males for all subspecies.
- The three extinct subspecies (Caspian, Javan, and Bali) are included based on historical data.
- The South China tiger is functionally extinct in the wild, with only a few individuals potentially remaining.
- Weight ranges can overlap between subspecies, and exceptional individuals may fall outside these averages.
