Five More Fun Facts about the Sumatran Tiger:
How to tell Sumatran Tigers from other tigers: Their stripes are closer together, their orange has more of a darker red color, and they have a mane and a beard!
The white spots on the back of the Sumatran tiger's ears are called "eye spots" or "predator spots". These spots are like false eyes to make them look larger to a predator approaching from behind. This is particularly helpful for small cubs.
Webbing between their toes makes the Sumatran tiger an adept swimmer. (Kind of like duck feet!)
Their main food is the wild boar, but they also eat deer, fish, monkeys, and even birds. Their stripes act as camouflage, and they use their body weight to knock their prey down.
They can sprint almost 40 miles per hour.
Sadly, the Sumatran tiger is hunted ruthlessly by poachers for its teeth and mane, which in Indonesia is a status symbol in society. And, their habitat is unprotected and decreasing rapidly due to deforestation for palm oil, coffee, and acacia farms.
Because of this, it’s estimated that only 400 Sumatran tigers remain in the wild. They are considered a Critically Endangered species, which means they are close to extinction.
In national parks, zoos, and other protected areas throughout Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand, a 2013 survey documented on 375 more.
To support the Sumatran Tiger or other endangered species, find an organization to support or visit a zoo and donate to their survival funds. If interested, Fauna and Flora International is an organization that specifically strives to conserve endangered species on the island of Sumatra. Check out their website here.
Copy the facts to share with your children and download the coloring pages. There's one of a cub and one of an adult Sumatran Tiger.
Here’s to raising awareness about Sumatran Tigers!
Cheers,
Red Panda Books sells immersive children’s adventure books that encourage parents to read with their children and experience adventures together! A portion of the books’ proceeds will be donated to support the Red Panda Network and other organizations that protect endangered species and their habitats.