Sumatran Tigers Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Sumatran Tigers - Research Paper Example There are two major factors that have caused the Sumatran tigers to become critically endangered – agricultural growth and increased poaching. Sumatra has undergone extensive deforestation as a result of agricultural growth, especially in the production of palm oil. This has caused the tiger habitats to become limited to the Kerinci Seblat and Gunung Leuser national parks and some unprotected areas. Again, tigers that live in unprotected areas are at increased risk of poaching and killing as they frequently enter nearby villages in search of food. Since the 1990s, Sumatran tigers have been hunted for their bones which are an important ingredient in traditional Asian medicines especially to treat rheumatism. Tiger bones and other products of the tiger are also used in magical practices that are conducted in Sumatra and other parts of Indonesia. These products are used as â€Å"ingredients for prescriptions or as amulets to ward off evil spirits† (Shepherd & Magnus 11). I n fact, Indonesia has been identified as the major supplier of tiger bones and other tiger products from 1975 to 1992 in the South Korean Customs import records (Shepherd & Magnus 37). The skins and bones of Sumatra Tigers are also exported internationally. Tiger teeth and claws are also used to custom design gold pendants to cater to international tourists.Tiger skins and stuffed tigers are also in great demand in the domestic market with policemen, army personnel, government officials and business men as the primary customers.