LAMPUNG, NNC – Sumatran tiger in the forest of Way Kambas National Park (TNWK) of East Lampung Regency is threatened with extinction as some other rare species of wildlife are Sumatran elephants and deer, as they often become the target of wild hunters to be taken away.

Coordinator of Project Manager of Sumatran Tiger Conservation and Rescue Foundation (PKHS) Lampung and Riau region, Sumianto, said Sumatran tiger in TNWK forest is also threatened to be hunted, just like elephant and elk animals and other rare animals, but specially tiger is difficult to detect because if hunted all parts of his body were taken. In contrast to elephants if hunted to leave traces such as bones and other body parts.

The PKHS Foundation's efforts to protect the Sumatran tiger from the threat of wild poachers so that it does not experience extinction is the monitoring of tiger population rescue and protection in their natural habitat and campaigning for public awareness of the importance of Sumatran tiger conservation.

He mentioned that in the forest area of TNWK Lampung is estimated to live between 12 to 27 Sumatran tiger species (Penthera tigris sumatrae). "The data of 2014 estimates we have 12 to 27 Sumatran tigers in the forest TNWK," said Sumianto, quoted by Antara, Monday (3/13/2018).

Sumianto explained the number of Sumatran tiger population is known from surveillance cameras installed to monitor and also known from surveillance cameras the number of male tigers more than females.

"Of that number are often caught 'camera trap' more types of male tigers, the comparison of three versus one," said Sumianto.

According to Indonesian wikipedia, the Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) is a tiger subspecies whose original habitat on the island of Sumatra is one of six tiger subspecies that survive to date and is included in the critically endangered criterion of critically endangered animals threatened species released by the IUCN World Conservation Society.

The wild population is estimated between 400-500, mainly living in national parks in Sumatra. Recent genetic testing has revealed unique genetic markers, suggesting that this subspecies may develop into separate species, if successfully sustained.