Sunda Island tiger facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sunda Island tiger |
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| A tiger from Sumatra. Sumatran tigers are one kind of Sunda Island tiger. | |
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The Sunda Island tiger (Panthera tigris sondaica) is a type of tiger that lives on the Sunda Islands in Indonesia. These tigers are a special kind of tiger, known as a subspecies, which means they are a bit different from other tigers.
Long ago, Sunda Island tigers lived on the islands of Java, Bali, and Sumatra. Sadly, the tigers on Java and Bali have all died out. Today, the only Sunda Island tigers still living in the wild are found on the island of Sumatra.
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What Makes Them Special?
The Sunda Island tiger is a subspecies of Panthera tigris, which is the scientific name for all tigers. This means they have slightly different genes compared to tigers from other parts of the world.
Appearance of Sunda Island Tigers
Sunda Island tigers are usually smaller than other types of tigers. They often have more fur around their faces, which can look like a beard or a mane. Their fur is orange with thick black stripes. These stripes help them blend in with their surroundings, making it easier to hunt.
How They Became Unique
Scientists believe that Sunda Island tigers became different from other tigers many years ago. This happened when the sea level rose, surrounding the land they lived on and turning it into islands. This separation meant they developed their own unique features over time.
Where Do They Live?
Sunda Island tigers live in the forests and swamps of Sumatra. These habitats provide them with places to hide, hunt, and raise their young.
How Many Are Left?
Sadly, there are fewer than 400 Sunda Island tigers left alive in the wild. This small number means they are in great danger of disappearing forever.
Size and Weight
These tigers can weigh between 165 and 308 pounds (about 75 to 140 kilograms). This makes them one of the smaller tiger subspecies.
Why Are They Endangered?
The Sunda Island tiger is considered critically endangered. This means they are at a very high risk of becoming extinct.
Threats to Their Survival
There are two main reasons why these tigers are endangered:
- Illegal hunting: People sometimes hunt tigers illegally for their fur, bones, or other body parts. This is called poaching and it is against the law.
- Loss of habitat: Their homes are shrinking because of deforestation. This happens when forests are cut down to make way for farms, towns, or other human activities. When their forests are gone, tigers lose their food sources and places to live.
Images for kids
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A tiger from Sumatra. Sumatran tigers are one kind of Sunda Island tiger.
