The Sumatran Tiger is found on the Indonesian island of Sumatra in habitat ranging from mountainous forests to lowland forests. The Sumatran Tiger is one of eight subspecies of tiger, and it is believed that these animals became isolated to Sumatra when rising sea levels smothered the land, causing the formation of islands in the region.

Sumatran Tigers are the smallest of all tigers, and their size assists them in navigating the dense, tropical forests in which they hunt. Being solitary animals, they are highly adapted to ambush hunting, using their stripes as camouflage against the dappled light of the forest floor. Sumatran Tigers will lie in wait to pray upon wild boar, birds, tapir, fish and deer.

Illegal hunting of tigers for use in traditional medicines, and loss of their rainforest habitat is continuing to threaten the remaining wild populations.

Melbourne Zoo is involved in a captive breeding program for these highly endangered animals. Our four cubs born in February 2010 can be viewed daily. 

DID YOU KNOW?

• Tigers are proficient swimmers and can cross rivers which are 7–8 kilometres wide without any difficulty
• Tigers will attack their prey from the rear; only one in 10–20 attempts succeed in a kill
• To seek out prey and defend a home range it is not uncommon for a Tiger to travel 10–20 kilometres a day

OUR TIGERS