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 threat to their survival. There are now estimated to be fewer than 400 Sumatran Tigers left in the wild.

Saving Wildlife Together: The major zoos in Australia are involved in a regional breeding program for Sumatran Tigers. Perth Zoo also supports the conservation of Sumatran Tigers in the wild through its fundraising program, Wildlife Conservation Action.

Find out how you can help.

At Perth Zoo: Perth Zoo’s Sumatran Tigers can be seen in the Asian Rainforest.