Critically Endangered Tiger Responsible for 6 Deaths in Past Month, Deforestation Blamed

The WWF has called for a halt to Indonesian deforestation in light of the recent tiger maulings that have left 6 people dead in less than a month.  The last three victims all appeared to be working at illegal logging camps in protected forests.

The Sumatran tiger (the worlds most endangered tiger subspecies) is having a hard time coping with a diminishing habitat.  Forest destruction and fragmentation have led the tigers to lay claim to woods near populated areas.

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It is estimated that the tigers, limited to around 450 individuals, are responsible for nearly 40 human deaths in 2000-2004.  On the other hand, an estimated 52 tigers were killed per year in 1999-2002.  It is clear that something must be done or the critically endangered tiger will follow the fate of its Javan and Balinese relatives into extinction.

The deforestation of Sumatra is occurring at an extremely fast rate, with almost 30 million acres cleared (nearly 50% of the islands forests) in the last 22 years.  Forests are cleared for both palm oil and timber.  It is no surprise that tiger attacks are on the rise as they are forced to seek land near human populations.

The last three attacks, however, have all been on lumberjacks working at illegal logging camps in the protected forests.  The ‘Harapan Rainforest‘ (named after the Indonesian word for hope) was established in Sumatra as a safe-haven for the tigers in 2007.

This leaves me with the question, what else can be done?  It is clear that the boundaries of the protected forests must be better patrolled in order to prevent illegal logging.  This may prove difficult on the large island that is already struggling with poverty.  I’m sure the WWF is open to suggestions.

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