Camera trap studies have discovered over double the count of endangered Sumatran tigers compared to those recorded on other Indonesian islands, signaling a positive outcome for conservation initiatives.

The Sumatran tiger represents the last surviving population of the subspecies panthera tigris sondaica, one of the two subspecies of tigers.

Collaborating with the Gayo indigenous community, researchers positioned 60 camera traps on trees within a previously unexplored area of the Leuser ecosystem on Sumatra, one of Southeast Asia’s largest remaining rainforests.

These traps captured images of 17 tigers over 90 days in 2023 and 18 in 2024, in stark contrast to earlier 90-day assessments in Sumatra, which reported an average of seven tigers. The survey documented 14 adult female tigers, 12 males, three cub pairs, and one tiger of unknown gender.

“This surpassed my expectations because previous research indicated that tigers wouldn’t be found in such densities,” stated Joe Figel from the conservation group Hutan Harimau. “This is a very promising finding and highlights the significant conservation efforts in this region.”

Sumatran tigers face threats such as poaching for trophies and traditional medicine, alongside logging activities depleting their vital dipterocarp tree habitats. Due to insufficient data, estimates for their population range from 173 to 883.

While a 90-day period was utilized for initial comparisons, researchers ultimately extended their study to 180 days in both 2023 and 2024, delivering a more comprehensive seasonal record, noted Deborah Marter from Flora and Fauna International, who was not a part of the study.

The unexpectedly high tiger population in the Leuser Ecosystem indicates that the lowland forests are abundant in prey, particularly sambar deer, according to Figel. It also implies that monthly ranger patrols are effective in curbing poaching activities.

Located near Gunung Leuser National Park, the study area is overseen by rangers funded by the NGOs Forum Conservasi Roussel and Hutan Harimau, in partnership with the Environment and Forestry Department of the previously conflict-affected Aceh region.

However, research indicates a need for additional ranger support. Recently, tigers have vanished from Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.

“Do we need any further warning signs?” asks Figel. “Tiger populations throughout Southeast Asia are facing a critical crisis.”