Scientific Name: Panthera tigris sumatrae
IUCN Status: Critically Endangered
Body Length: 2.2–2.4 m
Weight: 85–110 kg
Gestation: 90–110 days
Number of young: 2–3

Distribution: Sumatra
Habitat: Lowland to mountain forests

Description: The Sumatran Tiger is the smallest of the tiger subspecies. This smaller size allows it to move through the forest quickly. Its stripes are also thinner than other tigers, assisting with camouflage in the shadows. Unlike other cats, tigers like to swim. Sumatran Tigers have partial webbing between their toes, which makes them very fast swimmers. Sumatran Tigers also have a white 'beard'.

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

In the wild: The tiger is a solitary animal. A male will control a territory that contains a number of females. Tigers mark their territories by spraying scent on trees or bushes.

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

At Perth Zoo: The major zoos in Australia are involved in a regional breeding program for Sumatran Tigers. Perth Zoo’s Sumatran Tigers can be seen in the Asian Rainforest zone.

Did you know? Of the eight subspecies of tiger that once stalked the earth, only five are left. The Javan, Bali and Caspian Tigers all became extinct in the twentieth century. In total, there are only about 7,500 tigers left in the wild.

If you would like to find out how to help tiger conservation efforts, contact 21st Century Tiger at www.21stcenturytiger.org. For more information on tigers, visit www.5tigers.org or www.tigerfdn.com

Sumatran Tigers are excellent swimmers. When they hunt, they will often chase hoofed animals into the water. Because of their hoofs, the animals can’t swim very well and become easier to catch.