By: Natalia Trita Agnika

When we are about to lose something, we usually only realize its importance in our lives. This is also the case with the existence of tigers in the wild, which researchers say are nearing extinction. In the early 1900s, the number of tigers in the world was around 100,000 individuals. Now, the population remains 3,000 individuals in the wild (source: tigerday.org). In Indonesia, the Sumatran tiger population (Panthera tigris sumatrae) is less than 400 individuals. Indonesia used to have three tiger species (Balinese Tiger, Javanese Tiger, and Sumatran Tiger); now only the Sumatran Tiger can still be found in its natural habitat. The Javanese Tiger and the Balinese Tiger are extinct.

In fairy tales and children's stories, the tiger is depicted as a mighty leader, the "King of the Forest". Its position as the apex predator in the forest ecosystem makes it look intimidating. However, his position is actually an important indicator of the health of the forest ecosystem. The presence of tigers indirectly informs the availability of sufficient water sources for all living things in the area. This charismatic animal also plays a role in controlling the behavior and population of herbivores.

If the "King of the Forest" goes extinct, the forest loses its soul. In fact, a study explains that the loss of apex predators from an ecosystem will cause a "trophic cascade"; a phenomenon of changing the structure of the ecosystem through changes in the food chain due to changes in predator populations (source: britannica.com). An illustration of the effects of the loss of apex predators is seen in the disappearance of wolves in eastern North America. The event led to an increase in deer populations which in turn reduced plant populations.

Therefore, tiger conservation activities can help maintain the structure and processes in the ecosystems where these apex predators live. To raise awareness of the need to save and restore the world's dwindling number of tigers, the world celebrates International Tiger Day on July 29 every year. The goal is none other than to protect and increase tiger habitat in the wild through tiger conservation efforts.

Nowadays, tiger habitat is increasingly disturbed by human activities. Cutting down trees and clearing forests for various purposes has put tigers under increasing pressure. The number of tiger populations may be further reduced because a number of countries have not conducted a census of the tiger population in their country. Therefore, while commemorating International Tiger Day 2015, the public is reminded of the critical number of tiger populations in the wild. Especially the Sumatran Tiger, one of the remaining tiger species in Indonesia. Join the effort to save the Sumatran Tiger by becoming a Tiger Warrior in the ""WWF Warrior" program. Protecting tigers means helping to maintain a healthy forest ecosystem.