1. Solitary Hunting:
Sumatran tigers are solitary hunters, meaning they typically hunt alone. They usually start their hunting expeditions during the twilight hours, either early morning or late afternoon, when their prey is most active.
2. Camouflaging and Stalking:
Sumatran tigers utilize their exceptional camouflage, provided by their striped coat patterns, to blend seamlessly into the forest vegetation. They patiently stalk their prey, staying low to the ground and moving stealthily through dense underbrush.
3. Surprise Attacks:
The tiger's hunting strategy often involves getting as close to its target as possible before making a sudden, explosive charge. It uses bursts of speed and short distances to catch its prey off guard.
4. Powerful Pounce and Bite:
When the tiger is within striking distance, it launches a powerful pounce, using its muscular body to pin down its victim. It delivers a lethal bite to the throat or the back of the neck, severing the spinal cord or causing fatal injuries.
5. Prey Selection:
Sumatran tigers are opportunistic predators, meaning they hunt whatever prey is available to them. Their diet primarily includes medium to large-sized mammals such as deer, wild boar, tapir, and piglets. Occasionally, they may also hunt domestic livestock.
6. Killing Techniques:
In addition to the powerful bite to the neck, Sumatran tigers may employ other killing techniques, such as suffocating their prey by grabbing the muzzle and holding it shut.
7. Feeding Habits:
Once the prey is killed, the tiger starts to consume its meal. Sumatran tigers typically eat on the site where they made their kill. They start by consuming the internal organs and soft tissues before moving on to the meat and bones.
8. Caching Behavior:
Sumatran tigers sometimes exhibit caching behavior, which involves hiding food for later consumption. If the tiger has a surplus of food, it may drag the remaining carcass to a secluded location and return to feed on it over the course of several days.
9. Prey Selection Based on Habitat:
The specific prey species that a Sumatran tiger targets also depend on its habitat and the availability of certain animals in the area it occupies.
It's important to note that Sumatran tigers face numerous threats to their survival, including habitat loss, poaching, and illegal wildlife trade. Protecting their natural habitats and ensuring the availability of wild prey are crucial conservation measures for the preservation of this critically endangered subspecies.