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Submitted: July 25, 2008
Image Size: 314 KB
Resolution: 800×533

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Make:SONY
Model:DSC-H7
Shutter Speed:10/5000 second
Aperture:F/5.0
Focal Length:78 mm
ISO Speed:100
Date Taken:Feb 16, 2008, 2:28:22 PM

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Snow Dayby *HeWhoWalksWithTigers

Photography / Animals, Plants & Nature / Wild Animals

This is our friend, the subadult Sumatran tiger cub at the Toronto Zoo.

Sumatran tigers are found in Indonesia, on the island of Sumatra. They are the smallest of tigers, have the most stripes, the darkest orange pigment, the longest whiskers and are the last of three subspecies that once occurred in the country. They are the southern-most tigers and have to endure extremely hot climates. In zoos, these animals can acclimate, meaning their bodies will respond to changes in climate and temperature; however, this Sumatran tiger probably prefers the warmer weather.

In this photo, Mr. Tiger is content to stay in his warm den rather than go out into the snow. Who can blame him? I know sometimes when it gets snowy, I just like to sit in my house, wrapped up all toasty warm and watch the goings-on outside.

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Tigers are the largest of the big cats and are exclusively found in Asia from India to Vietnam, from Indonesia to the Russian Far East. The tiger can be divided into 9 subspecies: 4 are currently critically endangered and 3 are already extinct. Though estimations of tiger populations only a few years ago was 5,500-6,000, today populations are likely closer to 3,500 and are still declining. Dramatic declines of the tiger in India, thought to host the majority of the world's tigers, have fallen to less than 1,411. Overall, the past decade has seen a 40% reduction in tiger habitat, which now represents a mere 7% of its historic range. Poaching is a significant problem throughout the tiger's range, the demand for its body parts in traditional medicines, tonics, and exotic dishes driving a lucrative trade that is wiping out entire populations. Long-term threats include habitat fragmentation and prey depletion, which is accelerating the tiger's demise and subsequently reducing the long-term genetic viability of many populations.

If you want to help, the best for you to do is to educate yourself ([link]), never buy products made from tigers or endangered species ([link]), and tell others. Contact me for more information.