The fate of the
Sumatran Tiger is by no means secure – but we have reasons to be hopeful that
this exquisite animal will survive.
Around170 Sumatran
Tigers live in Kerinci Seblat National Park on the island of Sumatra in Indonesian.
This is their largest known population. The smallest of all tigers, the
Sumatran also has narrower stripes and a more bearded and maned appearance.
 |
| Sumatran Tiger Cubs by courtesy of WWF. |
Thanks to the
selfless efforts of many people, the numbers of Sumatran Tigers at the Kerinci
Seblat Park are increasing. Primarily we need to thank the government and
people of Indonesia who set up the National Park and also the dedicated workers
of Fauna and Flora International (FFI) who established and ran the Tiger Protection
and Conservation Programme. As Debbie
Martyr, the FFI Tiger Project Team Leader, reports:
“In the last three years we have seen
clear indications of a recovery in tiger populations in areas where our Tiger
Protection & Conservation Units patrol. Undercover investigations by
rangers followed by successful law enforcement is a clear and effective
deterrent to wildlife criminals.”
Success stories
like these are more important than the saving of one species, not matter how
important or cute that species may be. To preserve one species in its natural
habit also means that the natural habitat is saved. The enduring presence of
Sumatran Tiger is an important indicator of the surviving biodiversity of the
island of Sumatra where rhinos, orang-utans and elephants also live…. But stories
like these are more important still!
Protecting tigers
and their close habitat neighbours means that far more species benefit –
including humans.
The people of Sumatra can enjoy multiple Green Economy
benefits from combating climate change, securing water supplies to improved
livelihoods. But we, the citizens of the world will also benefit. Success
stories like these give us hope. If we - mankind - can learn how to work together
to save one species, then there is hope that maybe, just maybe, we can work together
to save another - Homo sapiens!
No comments:
Post a Comment