Range and Habitat
As the name suggests, Sumatran tigers are found on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, with a scattered distribution across the island. They live in a wide variety of habitats, from mountains to swamps, and lowland forests to peat swamps. Their range stretches from the Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park in the south all the way to the Gunung Leuser National Park in the north.
The tiger is mainly found in the forested areas of the Tiger Conservation Landscapes. Sumatran tigers also have a protected area of 37,000 km2 spread across 10 national parks.
Physical Features
Being the smallest subspecies, the Sumatran tiger has different physical measurements from its relatives. According to a study report from the American Society of Mammalogists, males weigh between 220 and 310 lbs., while females weigh between 170 and 240 lbs. A full-grown male measures 87 to 89 inches in total length, and a female measures 85 to 91 inches. The skull of a male measures 11.6 to 13.2 inches at its greatest length; a female's skull measures 10.4 to 11.6 inches.
Diet
The diet of these carnivorous mammals includes animals of many sizes, mainly deer, boars, and wild cattle. Like other cats, Sumatran tigers use the stalk-and-ambush method when hunting. The tiger approaches from behind, grabs the prey's neck, and holds on until the animal dies, either from strangulation or a spinal injury.
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Reproduction
Female Sumatran tigers reach sexual maturity at 3 to 4 years of age, while males mature at 4 to 5 years. They can mate at any time of year, though mating happens more often between November and April. After an average gestation period of 104 to 106 days, a tigress gives birth to 2 to 3 cubs, and this happens every 2 to 3 years.
Threats and Conservation
One of the biggest reasons Sumatran tiger numbers keep falling is the rapid expansion of oil palm and acacia plantations, which destroys their forest home. Poaching is also a serious concern, at least 40 tigers are killed every year. Stricter laws and protected national parks are helping, but the species remains critically endangered. Learn more about endangered tigers and what is being done to protect them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do Sumatran tigers live?
Only on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, in habitats ranging from mountains to lowland forests and peat swamps.
How big is a Sumatran tiger?
Males weigh 220-310 lbs. and measure 87-89 inches long; females weigh 170-240 lbs. and measure 85-91 inches.
Are Sumatran tigers endangered?
Yes, the IUCN classified them as Critically Endangered in 2008. At least 40 are poached every year, and oil palm plantations continue to destroy their habitat.
What do Sumatran tigers eat?
Sumatran tigers are carnivores. They mainly eat deer, boars, and wild cattle, using a stalk-and-ambush hunting method.
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