The Sumatran Tiger
The Sumatran tiger is a species of tiger that is on the brink of extinction, because of humans. But no one seems to care. We can change this, help the Sumatran Tiger and rebuild forests. But first, you need to know what is really going on out there.
Ways Humans are Killing The Sumatran Tiger
- Hunting: Hunting is one of the major parts of the decrease in Tigers. Different parts of the tiger can be sold for a lot of money. For example, as you see below the fur coat of the tiger is very valuable. A baby Tigers coat alone can be sold for $1,000 dollars, and a fully grown Tiger $35,000. So you can see why so many people are going crazy killing the tigers. Thats a lot of money!
Deforestation: Deforestation is also plays a big role in the decrease in Sumatran Tigers. The Tigers live in the privacy of the forests, but people are cutting down the forests to build houses, buildings and so much more. People are cutting down the trees to make palm oil. It's in our laundry detergent, your mascara and even the oreos you have stashed away in your cupboard. This means the Tigers homes are slowly getting smaller making them to have to move, causing them to be closer to humans . This can result in serious injuries or even death. Just from 2009 to 2011 we have lost 1.24 million hectares! that means the tigers have lost nearly 2/3 of their home just in those few short years.
With Tiger populations being so low, there are people trying to make a difference. There are many ways YOU can make a difference today. Such as, using forest friendly products, not using so much palm oil, or products that have palm oil in them. Spread the news about the endangered Sumatran Tiger to all your friends. So they can help save them too. You might be thinking, well Im just one person, how could I possibly help with saving a species of tiger! well im here to tell you that by watching what you use and eat in your every day life, you are saving Hundreds if not thousands of lives.
At one point there were as many as 3,890 Sumatran Tigers now there are as little as 400 Sumatran Tigers left, the only place you can find the Sumatran Tiger is on an island called Sumatran.
Interesting & Fun Facts About the Sumatran Tiger
- The stripes of the Sumatran Tiger are closer together than any other species of tiger. This is because of the tall grasses on the island, it helps them blend into the background while hunting or hiding.
- While hunting the Sumatran Tigers most used tactic is to chase its pray into the water. This is because they are super fast swimmers and its easier for them to catch their pray.
- The Sumatran Tiger is a carnivore so their diet mainly consists of meat from other animals.
- The Sumatran Tiger is the smallest tiger out of all the species of tiger.
- The Sumatran Tiger has a gestation period of only 3.5 months and they usually have 3-4 cubs
- Once the Mother has the cubs the father has nothing to do with raising them.
Sources
- http://www.havocscope.com/tigers-for-sale/
- http://world.time.com/2013/10/31/palm-oil-is-killing-the-sumatran-tiger/
- http://www.selvabeat.com/home/2015/6/16/sumatran-tiger-extinction-where-do-we-begin