Wildlife Guide · Indonesia & Malaysia
Tiger
Panthera tigris (subspecies P. t. sondaica, P. t. jacksoni)
Asia's largest cat, clinging on in the rainforests of Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula.
Image: Photo: Nyonyofoto / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
In brief
A tiger (Panthera tigris) is the largest living cat species, a striped, solitary carnivore native to Asia; the Sumatran tiger of Indonesia and the Malayan tiger of Malaysia are two of the most endangered surviving populations, both listed as Critically Endangered.
By the WARN Research & Conservation TeamChecked against IUCN Red List & CITES sourcesLast updated
The tiger is the largest of all wild cats, a solitary ambush predator instantly recognised by its orange coat and black stripes. Across its Southeast Asian range, two of the rarest populations survive in the World Animal Rescue Network's partner countries: the Sumatran tiger of Indonesia and the Malayan tiger of peninsular Malaysia. Both are now classed as Critically Endangered, with only a few hundred individuals left between them.
< 600
wild Sumatran tigers remaining
~80–120
mature Malayan tigers (IUCN)
Critically Endangered
status of both subspecies
~100 days
gestation before cubs are born
~3 km
Distance a tiger's roar can carry
Unique
Every tiger's stripe pattern differs, like a fingerprint
On the skin
Stripes are printed on the skin, not only the fur
Figures sourced from IUCN Red List — Panthera tigris (2022, Endangered), IUCN Red List — Malayan tiger (P. t. jacksoni), CITES — Appendices (Panthera tigris, Appendix I) and other references on this page.
Tiger: Quick Facts
| Lifespan | ~10–15 years wild; up to ~20 in managed care |
|---|---|
| Weight (Sumatran) | Males ~100–140 kg; females ~75–110 kg |
| Length | ~2.2–2.5 m head-and-body (Sumatran subspecies) |
| Diet | Carnivore — mainly wild boar and deer |
| Gestation | ~100 days (roughly 93–112) |
| Young per birth | Usually 2–4 cubs (1–7 possible) |
| Top speed | ~49–65 km/h over short bursts |
| Baby name | Cub |
| Group name | A streak or an ambush of tigers |
| CITES | Appendix I (commercial trade prohibited) |
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Carnivora |
| Family | Felidae |
| Genus | Panthera |
| Species | Panthera tigris (Linnaeus, 1758) |
| Subspecies (covered here) | P. t. sondaica (Sumatran tiger) and P. t. jacksoni (Malayan tiger) |
Conservation Status
- IUCN Status
- Critically Endangered (Sumatran tiger P. t. sondaica and Malayan tiger P. t. jacksoni); species Panthera tigris assessed Endangered (IUCN 2022)
- Population
- Fewer than 600 wild Sumatran tigers; roughly 80–120 mature Malayan tigers (IUCN)
- Trend
- Decreasing
- Assessed
- 2022 (species); Malayan subspecies assessed 2015
- CITES
- Appendix I
The umbrella species is listed as Endangered, but several subspecies, including the two in WARN's range countries, are Critically Endangered, so a single species badge understates their risk.
Did you know?
Tigers are among the few cats that genuinely enjoy water — they are strong swimmers and will wade into rivers to cool off or cross between patches of forest.
Key Facts: Tiger
- The tiger is the world's largest cat species; the Sumatran tiger is the smallest surviving tiger subspecies.
- Both the Sumatran tiger (Indonesia) and the Malayan tiger (Malaysia) are listed as Critically Endangered.
- The whole species Panthera tigris is assessed as Endangered by the IUCN (2022), but several subspecies are far closer to extinction.
- Fewer than 600 Sumatran tigers and roughly 80–120 mature Malayan tigers are thought to survive in the wild.
- Tigers are solitary, territorial ambush hunters that prey mainly on wild boar and deer.
- Poaching for illegal trade, habitat loss to plantations, and prey depletion are the main threats driving their decline.
Why tigers are endangered
Tigers once ranged across much of Asia, but have lost the great majority of their historic range and now occupy fragmented pockets of forest. The Sumatran tiger survives only on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, where lowland rainforest has been cleared at speed for oil-palm and acacia pulp plantations, isolating tigers in shrinking habitat patches. The Malayan tiger, confined to peninsular Malaysia, has collapsed from thousands of animals in the mid-twentieth century to an estimated 80–120 mature individuals, driven largely by intensive snaring and poaching for the illegal wildlife trade. Because both populations are small and fragmented, each loss matters enormously, which is why the IUCN classes both as Critically Endangered even though the species as a whole is listed as Endangered.
Behaviour and ecology
Tigers are solitary and strongly territorial, with individuals patrolling large home ranges marked by scent and scratch marks. They are ambush predators that hunt mainly at night, relying on stalking and a powerful rush rather than long pursuit, since they can only sprint over short distances. Wild boar and various deer make up the bulk of the diet, supplemented by smaller mammals and occasionally larger prey. Females raise cubs alone: after a gestation of roughly 100 days they give birth to a litter of typically two to four cubs, which stay with their mother for around two years while they learn to hunt. Unusually among big cats, tigers are strong swimmers and readily enter water to cool off or cross rivers.
Threats and what rescue involves
The most acute threat is poaching: tigers are killed for their skins, bones and other body parts traded illegally across Asia, and even small numbers of losses can push a tiny population toward collapse. Wire snares set in the forest are a particular danger, maiming or killing tigers and their prey indiscriminately. Habitat loss and the depletion of prey animals compound the problem, and tigers that stray into farmland can be killed in retaliation after attacks on livestock. On-the-ground rescue and protection work focuses on anti-poaching and snare-removal patrols, rapid response to human-tiger conflict, rehabilitation of injured or orphaned tigers, and protection of the forest corridors that connect isolated populations.
Sumatran vs Malayan vs mainland tigers
| Feature | Sumatran tiger | Malayan tiger | Mainland (e.g. Bengal/Amur) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subspecies | P. t. sondaica | P. t. jacksoni | P. t. tigris |
| Range | Sumatra, Indonesia | Peninsular Malaysia | India, Russia and mainland Asia |
| IUCN status | Critically Endangered | Critically Endangered | Endangered (species level) |
| Wild numbers | Fewer than 600 | ~80–120 mature | Several thousand combined |
| Size | Smallest surviving subspecies | Small to mid-sized | Largest (Amur is biggest of all) |
| Key threat | Plantation habitat loss, poaching | Snaring and poaching | Habitat loss, conflict, poaching |
What WARN Does
The World Animal Rescue Network (WARN CIC) is a registered global not-for-profit animal welfare organisation that funds local partner shelters, sanctuaries and rescue teams across its partner network. Two of those network countries, Indonesia and Malaysia, are exactly where the Critically Endangered Sumatran and Malayan tigers make their last stand, so tigers sit squarely within our funded focus. We channel support to frontline partners working on anti-poaching patrols, snare removal, conflict response and the care of injured or orphaned tigers, and pair that with wider public education about the illegal wildlife trade that drives the killing. We are honest about our stage and scale: our role is to fund and amplify trusted local teams in our range countries rather than to run tiger reserves ourselves.
Indonesia and Malaysia are both World Animal Rescue Network range countries, so a gift to the Tiger Appeal helps fund the local partner teams pulling snares, responding to conflict and caring for injured tigers where Sumatran and Malayan tigers make their last stand.
How does the tiger compare?
How can I help save the tiger?
There are three practical things that make a real difference for the tiger — and the first is the one that funds everything else.
Fund frontline rescue
Back the partner-led teams, veterinary care and protection that reach tigers where the need is greatest — WARN channels donations straight to that work.
Ease the pressures
Avoid the wildlife trade and souvenirs, never buy wild animals as pets, and choose sustainable, habitat-friendly products — the threats behind the tiger's decline fall when demand does.
Spread the word
Share accurate, sourced information about the tiger. Wider awareness is what turns concern into lasting protection.
Tiger: Frequently Asked Questions
How can I help save the tiger?
How many tigers are left in the wild?
Why are Sumatran and Malayan tigers endangered?
How big is a tiger?
What do tigers eat?
How long do tigers live?
What is a baby tiger called?
Do tigers have striped skin?
Can tigers swim?
How far can a tiger's roar be heard?
Are tigers dangerous to people?
Sources & References
Population figures, conservation status and biological facts on this page are drawn from authoritative scientific and intergovernmental sources.
Related Rescue Guides
Focused answers for people searching how tiger rescue works in high-need regions.
UK donors · Gift adoption intent
Animal Charity Gift Adoption in the UK
A UK animal charity gift adoption through WARN is a symbolic monthly or one-off donation allocated to a species rescue programme — dog, cat, elephant, tiger, orangutan, macaw, pangolin or sea turtle from £5/month, with a certificate suitable for birthdays and occasions. It is not ownership of a real animal, and Gift Aid does not apply.
UK donors · Symbolic adoption
Symbolic Animal Adoption UK Charity
Symbolic animal adoption through WARN is a UK-friendly monthly or one-off donation from £5/month directed to a species rescue programme abroad — not ownership of an individual animal, and not Gift Aid eligible because WARN is a registered global not-for-profit, not a UK charity.
UK donors · Wildlife rescue intent
Donate to Wildlife Rescue from the UK
UK donors can donate to wildlife rescue abroad through WARN — choose a species appeal at /appeals for pangolins, tigers, gorillas, orangutans, rhinos, lions or elephants, or give generally at /donate for WARN to fund partner-led rescue across its 17-country network.
Wildlife rescue · Tigers
Donate to Tiger Conservation
You can donate to tiger conservation through WARN at /appeals/tigers — gifts fund partner-led anti-poaching patrols, human–tiger conflict response and habitat protection for Sumatran tigers in Indonesia and Malayan tigers in Malaysia, the in-network tiger range.
Habitat · Forest corridors
Donate to Rainforest Habitat Protection
You can donate to rainforest habitat protection through WARN at /appeals/habitats — gifts fund partner-led forest corridor protection, anti-deforestation patrols and community stewardship in Borneo for orangutans and jaguars, and in the Amazon and Colombia for jaguars and co-occurring species.
UK donors · Monthly sponsorship
Sponsor an Animal Monthly from the UK
You can sponsor an animal monthly from the UK through WARN from £5/month — via symbolic adoption at /adopt or monthly giving at /donate/monthly — funding partner-led CNVR, wildlife rescue and working-animal programmes across 17 countries without individual animal ownership.
UK donors · Choosing where to give
Animal Welfare Charities — How to Donate Wisely
The best animal charities to donate to match your goal — local UK shelters for rehoming near you, registered UK charities if Gift Aid matters, or transparent international grant-makers like WARN if you want partner-led CNVR and wildlife rescue across 17 countries abroad (WARN is a UK CIC global not-for-profit, not a registered charity and not Gift Aid eligible).
US donors · Choosing where to give
Best Animal Charities to Donate To — US Guide
The best animal charities to donate to match your goal — local US shelters and humane societies for rehoming near you, US 501(c)(3) organisations if tax deduction matters, or transparent international grant-makers like WARN if you want partner-led CNVR and wildlife rescue across 17 countries abroad (WARN is a UK CIC global not-for-profit, not a US 501(c)(3) and not tax-deductible).
US donors · Wildlife rescue intent
Donate to Wildlife Rescue from the United States
US donors can donate to wildlife rescue abroad through WARN — choose a species appeal at /appeals for pangolins, tigers, gorillas, orangutans, rhinos, lions or elephants, or give generally at /donate for WARN to fund partner-led rescue across its 17-country network in USD.
Donor intent · Wildlife giving
Wildlife Charity Donation
Wildlife charity donations through WARN fund partner-led anti-poaching, seizure triage, rehabilitation and habitat-linked rescue for pangolins, tigers, gorillas, orangutans, elephants and more — give at /appeals or /donate with full receipts, knowing WARN is a UK CIC global not-for-profit grant network, not a registered charity.
Recurring giving · Sponsorship
Monthly Animal Sponsorship
Monthly animal sponsorship through WARN from £5/month at /adopt or /donate/monthly is recurring programme support for partner-led CNVR, wildlife rescue and working-animal welfare abroad — not naming or owning an individual animal, with cancellation anytime by email.
UK donors · Tiger sponsorship
Sponsor a Tiger from the UK
You can sponsor a tiger from the UK through WARN from £5/month at /adopt/tiger — sponsorship funds anti-poaching patrols, snare removal and human–tiger conflict response for Sumatran and Malayan tigers in Indonesia and Malaysia, not ownership of a named individual tiger.
US donors · Tiger sponsorship
Sponsor a Tiger from the United States
You can sponsor a tiger from the US through WARN from $5/month at /adopt/tiger — sponsorship funds anti-poaching patrols, snare removal and conflict response for Sumatran and Malayan tigers, not ownership of a named individual tiger.
UK donors · Symbolic tiger adoption
Adopt a Tiger from the UK
You can adopt a tiger from the UK through WARN's symbolic adoption from £5/month at /adopt/tiger — your gift funds anti-poaching patrols, snare removal and conflict response for Sumatran and Malayan tigers, not ownership of a named individual tiger.
US donors · Symbolic tiger adoption
Adopt a Tiger from the United States
You can adopt a tiger from the US through WARN's symbolic adoption from $5/month at /adopt/tiger — your gift funds anti-poaching patrols and conflict response for Sumatran and Malayan tigers, not ownership of a named individual tiger.
Terms used on this page
Plain-English definitions, from our wildlife and conservation glossary.
Latest Tiger Stories
Quick, fact-checked reads on the tiger — amazing facts, key questions and the threats it faces.
Species
12 Amazing Facts About Tigers (That Sound Made Up But Aren't)
From striped skin and swimming big cats to a roar you can hear three kilometres away, here are 12 verified facts about the world's largest cat.
Read the storySpecies
How Big, Fast and Strong Is a Tiger? The Numbers Explained
Tigers are the largest cats alive, with a bite force around 1,000 PSI and short-burst speeds up to 65 km/h. Here are the real measurements.
Read the storySpecies
Tiger vs Lion: 7 Key Differences Between the Two Biggest Cats
Tigers are bigger, stripier and solitary; lions are social and live in prides. Here's how the two largest cats really differ in size, habitat and behaviour.
Read the storyExplore More Species
Every animal in our network faces a crisis. Learn about the others.
View all wildlife guides