Sumatran tiger

Sumatran tiger facts 

From their history to their impressive hunting skills, there’s always something new to learn about everyone’s favourite big cat.

1. They are the smallest tigers 

There are five tiger subspecies and Sumatran tigers are the smallest. 

2. Cubs learn to hunt quickly 

Tiger cubs will start hunting from as young as one year old, but they’ll stay with their mother until they’re two years old.

3. They've been around for 2 million years

Fossils of tiger remains in China show that tigers could be over 2 million years old!

4. They love water

Unlike like most of their cousins, tigers love swimming and will frequently cool off by having a dip in nearby rivers.

5. They're unique 

No two tigers are ever the same, as each has its own unique stripe pattern. This makes tigers identifiable to conservationists in the wild. 

6. They're loud

A tiger’s roar is so loud that is can be heard from two miles away.

7. They have narrow stripes 

Sumatran tigers have the narrowest black stripes of any tiger subspecies and they're also the darkest in orange compared to other subspecies. This is because they are ambush predators in the Indonesian jungle and need to blend in amongst the thick vegetation so it helps with camouflage. No two tigers have the exact same set of markings, making them identifiable by their uniquely patterned coats. 

8. They can jump

Tigers are excellent jumpers. Even when sitting down, a tiger can leap forward 10 metres.

9. They have five different types of whiskers

These whiskers pick up on vibrations their prey makes when moving through the jungle.

10. They have a strong bite 

A tiger can bite down with the force of 1000 pounds. 

11. The collective noun is a streak 

A group of tigers is known as an ‘ambush’ or a ‘streak’. 

12. Rarest subspecies of tiger

Sumatran tigers are the rarest subspecies of tiger, classified as Critically Endangered, with only 400 individuals left in the wild. 

What do Sumatran tigers look like? 

Deep orange coats with broad black stripes. Sumatran tigers have the darkest coats of all tiger subspecies and long whiskers. 

How do Sumatran tigers hunt?

Tigers are both good swimmers and climbers with powerful muscular builds and large claws. In order to catch prey, they hunt alone. They get as close as possible to their prey using their stripes as camouflage to stay hidden, then spring into attack, killing the prey with a bite to the neck. 

What do Sumatran tigers eat? 

Mainly wild cattle, wild pigs and deer. 

Sumatran tiger habitat 

In tropical rainforest. 

Where do Sumatran tigers live? 

On the Indonesian island of Sumatra. 

What threats do Sumatran tigers face? 

Illegal hunting is a serious threat. Their skins and body parts fetch high prices on the black market. 

How many Sumatran tigers are left in the wild? 

It’s estimated that there are between 500-600 Sumatran tigers left in the wild.  

How to help Sumatran tigers  

Buy sustainable palm oil, Sumatran tigers is being wiped out by unsustainable palm oil and by looking out for the RSPO sustainability logo during your supermarket shop you can help make a difference. While every time you visit the Zoo you’re helping support our vital conservation work with Sumatran tigers and other species at risk.