The Indonesian island of Sumatra holds some of the richest and most diverse tropical forests on the planet, giving shelter to many rare species and providing livelihoods for millions of people. 

The area is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site but this status does little to stop habitat destruction and fragmentation.Sumatra has experienced among the world’s fastest rate of deforestation – mainly due to land conversion to pave the way for palm oil, rubber plantations and to produce pulp. The tigers living here face an even bigger threat from the illegal wildlife trade.

Forest corridors and protected areas in central Sumatra are critical for maintaining a viable Sumatran tiger population. 

WWF is collaborating with community members in anti-poaching work, improving cooperation with the authorities on recording wildlife crime and camera trapping to help with surveillance. We are also working with the local communities to provide alternative livelihoods, such as through ecotourism ventures. 

See also South Sumatra.