SUNDA TIGER

    The Sunda Tiger is a subspecies of tiger that is critically endangered. The Sunda has a smaller stature compared to other subspecies of tigers along with a distinct coat pattern involving a much heavier set of stripes all closely spaced. The most recent population estimate of the Sunda is a frightening number being below 400 individual tigers remaining. This drastic decline over the recent years had cause a major concern among wildlife organizations. 

HABITAT

The Sunda's habitat is a condensed zone of tropical rainforest, freshwater swamps, and the peat swamps of Sumatra. The Sunda species requires large territories with plenty of prey and shelter to survive. Their range over the years has become very fragmented since deforestation and human settlements have caused them to reduce and isolate their natural habitat. 

Niche:

The Sunda has a crucial role in its ecosystem too. Being an apex predator and regulating other populations such as deer and boar helps maintain the forest's environment. This role also indirectly helps the plants in this region by controlling herbivore numbers and preventing overpopulation and giving other plant species a chance to flourish. 

Cause of decline:

The primary cause of the Sunda's decline in population is due to illegal logging, palm oil plantations. and human encroachment. Poaching for the wildlife trade has also done a number on this species due to the high demand for tiger parts in traditional medicine and as a status symbol. This fragmenting of their habitats and isolation of the population, has made breeding and genetic diversity maintenance a much greater challenge. 

Importance:

The Sunda species plays a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and preserving biodiversity. The extinction of this species would lead to an overpopulation of herbivores resulting in overgrazing then causing a decline in surrounding plant species. Such imbalances in the ecosystems can keep on going till every link of the food chain has been effected. Tigers also hold a highly respected culture and ecological significance. 

Conservation Efforts:

There are several ongoing conversation efforts inlacing anti-poaching patrols, habitat restoration projects, and establishing protected areas for the Sunda species. Wildlife Fund and conversation society also help fund and look after this critically endangered species. Community engagement to help reduce human-wildlife contact had also been put into practice. 

Geospatial tools:

 Geographers and the tools, help, and study of geography all play a big role in the conservation of species like the Sunda Tiger. Instrumental tools such as GIS and remote sensing are huge in mapping, monitoring, and tracking the tigers habits and whereabouts. By analyzing this spatial data the geographers can develop strategies to implement into conserving policies that support the species and the human development along with it. 

Plea for help 

1. Monetary Donations to organizations like the WWF and WCS who use the money to actively protect and support the tigers. https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/tiger  - https://bigcatswildcats.com/tiger/tiger-conservation-organizations/ - https://www.wcs.org/our-work/species/tigers

2. Volunteer your time and skills by joining a conservation project and/or a volunteer program to offer anything from field/scientific research to community education. 

3. Educate and raise awareness to others about the Sunda's critically endangered state, the more people that know about the issue the greater the collective effort to save the tigers. 

4. Recycle and reduce the waste you use in your daily life. Try to minimize plastic use and pollution puts less overall harm the ecosystems the tigers depend on. 

5. Supporting sustainable palm oil or not using it all together can help by reducing the destruction of the tigers environment since the expansion of palm oil plantations have posed a significant threat to the tigers habitats.