iggest threats: their human neighbors. Tigers have always suffered from fear-based killing, but as their habitat shrinks, conflicts or clashes with humans – most notably over domestic lives<strong>to</strong>ck – increase. Given the challenges from all sides, the odds seem stacked against Sumatran tigers, which have seen their habitat reduced by more than 40 percent in the past decade. Until recently, the critically endangered cats were believed <strong>to</strong> number only about 400 in the wild. But the results of a 2010 population survey suggested that 400 was no longer an appropriate guess: <strong>to</strong>day’s most reliable estimate is more like something less than 300. “Three hundred is a very alarming number, and we want <strong>to</strong> raise awareness that Sumatran tigers are at very high risk of extinction,” Snyder says. “But we also want <strong>to</strong> raise awareness that there’s hope. An enormous part of our mission is our ability <strong>to</strong> affect change for endangered species, above and beyond just exhibiting those species here at the Zoo.” Led by Fauna and Flora International, and joined by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Wildlife Conservation Society; World Wildlife Fund; Durrell Institute of Conservation & Ecology; Zoological Society of London; and Zoo Atlanta, a conservation initiative is underway <strong>to</strong> prevent the destruction of Sumatra’s crucial wild places. Formally titled “Conserving tigers in Aceh and across Sumatra,” the effort is aimed at collecting data that will persuade policymakers <strong>to</strong> rethink new construction projects in the region. The project’s primary research engines are traps that are actually good for tigers. They’re camera traps, dealing in images as opposed <strong>to</strong> steel teeth. Without disrupting the animals’ activities, hidden cameras capture pho<strong>to</strong>s that help researchers recognize particular individuals who either pass through or repeatedly use a given terri<strong>to</strong>ry. <strong>Camera</strong> traps also capture images of other animals – indica<strong>to</strong>rs of prey abundance that provide valuable information about a terri<strong>to</strong>ry’s ability <strong>to</strong> sustain tigers. Conservationists hope that data collected over time will present convincing evidence that will keep the forest usable and accessible <strong>to</strong> tigers while at the same time helping <strong>to</strong> provide direction for future preservation efforts. “Our Conservation Endowment Fund has provided valuable support for this project, on the ground, where it’s most relevant,” explains Snyder. “Funds from Zoo Atlanta have helped <strong>to</strong> fund survey personnel and buy survey equipment. It’s a direct route <strong>to</strong> keeping conservation projects going, in the places where they’re needed most.” Will they appear? Night has fallen in Aceh, Sumatra, and an apex preda<strong>to</strong>r is on the prowl. A male Sumatran tiger searches the darkness for clues <strong>to</strong> nearby prey, s<strong>to</strong>pping <strong>to</strong> note the scent left behind by another tiger earlier in the evening. He moves so stealthily that his presence goes unnoticed by every entity in the forest. That is, all but one. Tripped by his movement, the camera preserves and dates his image. It’s proof that he was here. Dolly Priatna Zoological Society of London At that same moment, it’s a cool fall morning at Zoo Atlanta. Early-bird guests are standing expectantly near the tiger viewing glass in Complex Carnivores, waiting for the morning’s first appearance by Chelsea and her cubs. What’s keeping them? Will they appear? Eventually, they do. Sohni and Sanjiv take only minutes <strong>to</strong> case the area, and now, are ready for adventure. Will they wade? Will they play? Will they make kittenish games of those gobs of tempting fall leaves that have fallen in their yard overnight? What will they do <strong>to</strong>day? What will we do <strong>to</strong>day? Spread the word. We’re not giving up on Sumatran tigers. The Aceh Forest project is one of many supported by the Reeder Conservation Endowment Fund at Zoo Atlanta. Learn more at zooatlanta.org /conservation_efforts. 5 6
Change language