How much do you know about the majestic Sumatran tiger? These incredible big cats are the elusive rulers of Sumatra’s jungles. They silently patrol their territory and maintain the balance of the ecosystem.
And thanks to your support, we’re making sure their entire food chain–and their forest homes– stay strong and healthy. Just as nature intended!
Wild Sumatran tiger captured on a forest trail camera.
The Apex Predator of the Jungle
Sumatran tigers are the apex predators of their forest habitat. They are elusive, with silent movements and the ability to blend seamlessly into dense jungle. As solitary hunters, they rely on stealth and strength to rule their territory.
And like all big cats, they are strict carnivores. They are dependent on a meat diet for survival. At the top of the food chain, they hunt a variety of prey.
Tiger prey includes larger mammals like sambar deer, muntjac, tapir and wild boar. Bearded pigs are a key part of their diet. They also hunt smaller primates, like pig-tailed macaques, and large birds, such as great argus pheasants.
But did you know only about 10 percent of tiger hunts result in successful kills? When they catch their prey, their powerful jaws clamp down on its throat to make the killing blow.
The Balance of Nature
With your help, we’re working hard to protect the delicate balance of Sumatra’s ecosystems. Our programs ensure that tigers have a thriving habitat, preventing human-wildlife conflict and supporting healthy populations of prey animals.
Recently, we’ve seen encouraging signs—an increase in wild pig populations! Pig populations plummeted in recent years due to swine flu and this had a devastating impact on the food supply for Sumatran tigers. With the pig population now bouncing back, it means tigers can find more food in the forest. This reduces the need for tigers to venture onto farmland to hunt livestock which puts them at risk from disgruntled farmers. This is such an important win, as tigers can stay in their natural habitat, and local farmers and communities can remain safe.
It’s a ripple effect of conservation success! And one that you’re making possible. Thank you so much for being such an incredible wildlife warrior!
A Sumatran Tiger in the Wild
Check out this amazing video of a wild Sumatran tiger, captured on trail camera!
Tiger Prey– Caught on Camera!
You may have heard about our incredible APE Protector team. They tirelessly patrol and protect tiger habitat. They monitor wildlife and keep them safe using a series of trail cameras.
Captured footage provides vital insight into wildlife movements. It helps track different species and protect them from threats like poaching and illegal logging.
Plus, this remarkable footage helps the team to understand the presence of prey species that are vital to the survival of Sumatran tigers!
The APE Protector team recently analysed trail camera footage captured across three key conservation areas in 2024– Rimbo Ponti, Nagari Sontang Cubadak Forest and Nagari Panti Selatan Forest. The results were amazing!
- Sontang Cubadak Forest: 324 videos captured, identifying 14 mammal species—including five tiger prey species—and one bird species.
- Panti Selatan Forest: 555 videos captured, identifying nine mammal species—including four tiger prey species.
- The most exciting find? Four videos of Sumatran tigers! By analysing their unique stripe patterns, the team identified two female tigers roaming the forest.
Every species plays a vital role in the forest ecosystem. Check out some of the incredible wildlife we caught on camera:
These findings highlight just how important this region is for Sumatran tiger conservation. With continued monitoring and protection, we can ensure that these magnificent predators—and the entire ecosystem—continue to thrive.
Because of you, these forests remain lush, wildlife flourishes, and Sumatran tigers have a future. Thank you for being a part of this vital mission! 💚 🌿
Program: APE Protector (Animals, People and Environment)
Location: West Sumatra, Indonesia
Run by: This program is a collaboration with our partners at Centre for Orangutan Protection and the Ministry of Forestry 🌳