Indonesia Wildlife Conservation Program

By Sriyanto, Setijanto. H, Ligaya, I.T, M.Zamri-Saad

Abstract

The existence of animal prey species of Sumatran tiger in their own natural habitat is one of the important factors in supporting the existence of tiger. Besides that, the presence of the prey species may also affect the ecology and behaviour of tiger habitat in Sumatra island.

To learn prey species of Sumatran tiger on their habitat in Sumatra, Indonesia, directly is difficult which can be viewed only signs of the left behind, and analysis of hair that found in the tiger feces. Observation of the defecation behaviour of Sumatran tiger was carried- out in Taman Safari Indonesia zoo.

Results of this research indicated that the defecation behaviour of Sumatran tiger looks the same as in the general family of Felidae, the difference with the domestic cat is after defecation, the cat close their own feces. Behaviour defecation begins with the tiger walking find the preferred place, look to the right-left and than stops. After the stop, tail lifted, the back of the body revealed 1/3 or more of high body. When they finished to excrete the feces, tiger looks indifferent and direct way back to leave the location. Defecation behaviour on tiger can be started or followed by urination. During a day, the Tiger can do defecation as much as 1-2 times.