Sumatran Tiger
Panthera tigris sumatrae

The Sumatran is the smallest sub-species of tiger alive today.  Its fur is shorter than that of other tigers, and its coat darker in colour.  Sumatran tigers also have prominent tufts of fur on the cheeks.  These are more pronounced on the males.

The dual threat of habitat destruction and illegal poaching are pushing this magnificent animal towards extinction, with only around 400 animals left today.

The tigers habitat, mainly lowland forest, has been severely reduced and fragmented - up to 80% has already been lost, mainly because of human activity.  As a result of this destruction, the available natural prey, wild pig, sambar and barking deer, have also declined.  The loss of habitat and of prey species has brought the tiger into increasing conflict with local people within the tigers range.