Sumatran Tiger

Habitat

Mixed tropical forest and mangrove swamp.

Wild Diet

Antelope, wild pig, wild cattle and a wide range of smaller prey.

Behaviour

The stripes of the tiger provide camouflage so that it can stalk or lie in ambush for its prey without being seen.

Breeding

3-4 blind and helpless cubs are born after a gestation of 90-120 days (3-4 months).

Threats

Hunting for oriental medicines and habitat destruction.

Conservation

Captive and wild populations in Sumatra are protected and managed in an attempt to prevent this subspecies following the Bali and Javan tigers: these subspecies became extinct in the 1940s and 1980s respectively. Paignton Zoo is part of the European Endangered species Programme (EEP).