The Sumatra Tiger, which originates from Indonesia’s Island of Sumatra, is among the rarest of the tiger breeds numbering approximately 300 in its wild habitat. The world population of wild tigers is approximately 3200. The demise of the tiger, which is considered the most endangered big cat, regrettably has been escalated by the demand for traditional Chinese medicine. Its ancient beliefs attribute healing and sexual powers to almost every part of the tiger from its long, black-ringed tail to its pristine white whiskers. Moreover, with China’s captive breeding farms, the luxury demand for tiger skins to decorate homes, the trophy hunts and shrinking natural habitats, have fueled the desire for tiger parts. According to the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species, it is wealth that is replacing health as the main source of consumers’ motivation and lust for luxury items. The vicious cycle of China’s captive breeding farms encourages the illegal poaching of wild tigers for the demand of tiger parts as exotic cure-alls to luxury status symbols and mythical, magical powers. Our modern state-of-the-art zoos, go beyond a recreational role by becoming scientific, conservation leaders in the breeding programs for critically endangered species as exemplified by Sydney, Australia’s Tarango Zoo.
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FAVORITE PHOTOGRAPH — photograph 221, of the portrait of the Sumatra Tiger’s sweet, sassy, soulful facial expression touches me and has strong emotional power. It made me think of one of my all time favorite books, Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book” at the time I was actually observing this magnificent wild animal, and photographing it for a timeless hour-and-a-half that day. I made time for the tiger, watching its movements, behavior, demeanor, body language, facial expressions, and our eye-to -eye communication. I did not have to travel to remote Sumatra, but found a noble conservation breeding program for this critically endangered species ensuring the future of this impressive, charismatic big cat. Tiger, tiger burning bright!
Ⓒ Suzanne Vlamis Photography
