Killer of '100 Tigers' Caught

Fauna and Flora International, an international wildlife conservation organization, has reported the arrest of two Sumatran poachers. One of them, a fifty-seven year old man, said he has killed 100 wild Sumatran tigers over the last thirty years.

The population of Sumatran tigers in the wild is estimated to be only three hundred to five hundred. Fauna and Flora noted the importance of these remaining animals: “As a critically endangered species loss of even one of these animals can impact on the survival of the species.” The Sumatran tiger is the only subspecies left in the Indonesian islands. The last Bali tiger is believed to have been shot in 1937. The last Javan was probably killed in 1984.

Left unchecked, one man’s damage could have played a critical role in wiping out a whole species. His destructiveness wasn’t limted to his own actions though. He also involved his son in the illegal practice of wild tiger poaching. Both of them were caught in the recent arrest. Hopefully the penalties they incur will stop them from ever killing tigers again. It was not reported if there are grandsons of the fifty-seven year old, but if there are I sincerely hope they were not taught the same illegal activities.

Tiger habitat in Sumatra is being lost to agriculture, as more forest is being converted to palm oil production. Gunung Leuser National Park is where the largest population of 110 lives, but much tiger habitat there is still unprotected. Its hard to say even with potentially five hundred tigers left in the wild if that is enough genetic diversity to sustain a wild population. Inbreeding could eventually weaken the species to the point where it is very vulnerable to disease.

Some zoos are currently involved in the efforts to save the species from extinction. The Melbourne Zoo just reported May 13th, they have four healthy new Sumatran tiger cubs. (If you visit their page, watch the video too.) Another hopeful event was the capturing of extremely rare footage of Sumatrans in the wild this year.

Visit the Sumatran Tiger Trust website to find out what you can do help.

Image Credit: Brimac the 2nd

Read more: Nature & Wildlife, Pets, Wildlife, poaching, sumatran tigers, tigers

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Joan M.

9:06AM PST on Jan 26, 2012

Do these people have no consciences, I agee he should be put out there unarmed and let the Tigers hunt and kill him, seems fair to me

send a green star

Cecilie D.

2:13AM PST on Jan 19, 2012

We definitely agree with those who call for the shooting or capital punishment of convicted poachers. What is more valuable to the Life Form Earth...a wild animal, or a poacher? No brainer. Imagine 2012 and people still holding destructive belief systems that support mumbo jumbo about ingesting wild animal parts to fix certain human conditions. Belief systems...the scourge of the planet.

paula e.

2:45AM PST on Jan 18, 2012

One greedy cruel poacher down and how many more out there. They need to go after the people that buy the tiger products too. This needs to stop.

Sue G.

5:40PM PST on Jan 17, 2012

What is needed is for rangers to have a good pair of binoculars, a rifle with sights and night vision. Then when poachers are up to their dirty work, Just shoot them between the eyes no questions asked. Just make sure these bastards fall before they can kill the beautiful wildlife who are much more precious than the scum who are hunting them.

Paula R.

9:02AM PST on Jan 16, 2012

This is awful it needs to be stopped. Our Grand and great Grandchildren will never get to see these wonderful animals in their wildlife and be able to learn about these beautiful animals. It is awful that so manyof our wildlife is gone forever because of man's stupidity. I wish we could do more to stop this before it is to late.

carol k.

4:18PM PST on Jan 15, 2012

give all his possessions and wealth to the poor!

4:17PM PST on Jan 15, 2012

he should be tied in his wire traps and left to the wild life.

Marion W.

11:27AM PST on Jan 14, 2012

Do not kill this man. Just put him in one of his traps and leave him. Nature will take care of him.

Kate K.

6:39AM PST on Dec 6, 2011

I don't know if that sounded right. Basically he killed 100 tigers so for this one person to die is not big deal and fully warranted,

6:38AM PST on Dec 6, 2011