A new study highlights the pressing conservation challenges facing critically endangered Sumatran tigers (Panthera tigris sumatrae) in the Ulu Masen Ecosystem of Aceh, Indonesia. Conducted over 6,732 camera-trap nights from 2020 to 2022, this is the first comprehensive status assessment of Sumatran tigers and their prey in this unprotected ecosystem. Researchers detected tigers 39 times at 16 out of 52 monitoring stations and identified 11 individual tigers, revealing a skewed sex ratio with 8 males, only 1 female, and 2 individuals of unknown sex. No cubs were photographed, and no signs of reproduction were observed, raising concerns about the population’s sustainability.
The study found that tiger habitat use (Ѱ = 0.52) was negatively affected by human disturbance, though this effect was not statistically significant. While the area has a broad prey base, the observed demographic characteristics point to heavy poaching pressures on the tiger population. The Ulu Masen and adjacent Leuser Ecosystem together form the largest remaining contiguous tiger habitat in Sumatra, underscoring the urgent need for targeted protection efforts to ensure the species’ survival.
This research emphasizes the critical importance of ongoing population monitoring and habitat protection for conserving threatened species.
Source: Wildlife Institute of India
