Chester Zoo warmly welcomed the arrival of the Sumatran tiger twin cubs. The Evening Standard reports that such an event has been dubbed a vital step in moving forward, given how this endangered species is among the rarest tigers in the world.
Endangered Species: Sumatran Tiger
According to National Geographic, the Sumatran tiger is the smallest of its family. It is a native of Sumatra, Indonesia. Its isolated habitat could be the reason why the subspecies is the smallest among its tiger family.
This tiger is considered a critically endangered species. Such categorization could be largely attributed to poaching and habitat loss. National Geographic reports that palm oil plantation growth was the main reason why there was a roughly 20% loss of their habitat from 2000 to 2012. On top of this, deforestation also led to a decrease in their prey and resultantly affected Sumatran tigers negatively.
Tiger poaching also threatened the species. Bones of the species have been used for making tiger bone wine, which is a popular drink that is thought to give tiger qualities to the one who drinks it. Other than this, tiger teeth have also been used for jewelry.
Several of the last remaining Sumatran tigers are kept in protected premises like national parks. Anti-poaching policies help protect the species.
The Daily Mail reports that these tigers are extremely rare, to the point that it is assumed that there are only 350 Sumatran tigers in the wild. Given this tremendously small population, these twin cubs are gravely important for the species' survival.
ALSO READ: 3 Sumatran Tigers Found Dead in Indonesia After Being Captured by Boar Trap
Twin Sumatran Tiger Cubs Born
The rare twins greeted the earth on January 7. Since then, they have been spending time bonding with their parents, Dash and Kasarna.
Carnivore team manager Dave Hall from the Chester Zoo says that the birth of these healthy twin cubs is a crucial step when it comes to the continuous protection efforts for these creatures. He notes that there may come a day when the twins could hopefully make a great contribution to the breeding program of this endangered species. This program is now playing a vital role in preventing their extinction.
Before confirming their exact sexes and giving their names, the experts will wait until the twins are capable of moving outside.
Mr. Hall mentions that they have been consistently checking Kasarna through the CCTV. They observe the mother cub adjust to motherhood and grip her first cub litter. He notes how it is a privilege for him to be able to see such a special sight.
Kasarna is a responsible mother who is remarkably attentive to the twin cubs. She keeps the cubs snuggled inside their den and feeds them regularly.
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Check out more news and information on Endangered Animals in Science Times.
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