By: Nur Arinta

Tigers (Panthera tigris sumatrae) are rare animals that have an important role in the ecosystem chain, namely as apex predators and can control the ecosystem so that the balance of the ecosystem is maintained. According to the IUCN, this big cat is Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN red list with an estimated population of only 371 individuals in the wild. The rampant poaching, illegal wildlife trade, habitat conversion, and conflicts between tigers and humans have made the lives of Sumatran tigers more difficult. Because of its precarious status and high threat, the Sumatran Tiger is protected under Law Number 5 of 1990 concerning the Conservation of Natural Resources and Ecosystems, and violations are subject to a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of 100 million rupiah.

The forest that is the habitat of this distinctive cat with its stripes is shrinking because it is converted into industrial plantation forest areas, plantations, and settlements. The conversion of natural forests into settlements has led to conflicts between humans and Sumatran tigers. Although many humans are in the tiger's range, encounters with the tiger are rare. Even if an attack occurs, many cases of tiger attacks are caused by self-defense efforts of tigers who are surprised or pressured when encountering humans.

Do you live, work or create near the Sumatran Tiger's range? Although the chances of encountering a tiger are slim, it never hurts to know how to prevent conflicts with Sumatran Tigers in order to avoid harm. Here are some practical tips to prevent conflicts with tigers:

- Always be aware of where you are
Do not enter the forest in a tiger's home range if it is not necessary. Always be aware of your surroundings and watch yourself, and do not disturb or damage the habitat of Sumatran Tigers and other wildlife.

- Don't look or behave like a tiger prey animal
Tigers are animals that rely on instinct when hunting, so do not duck or behave like a four-legged animal. Sumatran tigers may think you are their prey if you behave this way.

- If you encounter a tiger, stay calm
Do not run from the tiger. Sudden or surprising movements can trigger the tiger's hunting instincts. Prepare tools such as wooden sticks to fight back in case of an attack. Even the slightest resistance will make it harder for the tiger to harm you and make it realize that you are not its prey. Don't forget to give him a way out, and don't corner the tiger because that will increase the potential for the Sumatran Tiger to attack.

- Find a safe place if camping in the Sumatran Tiger's range
Try to choose a safe place and avoid animal trails. Avoid areas with dense bushes. Clean up around the campsite and try to close the tent so that it cannot be easily seen from afar. Mark the area with lights. Do not leave food scraps scattered, as this will attract other wildlife.

- Reduce the use of strong fragrances
Tigers communicate with their sense of smell and can recognize certain scents very well. Get it wrong and the fragrance you use can be interpreted differently by the animal and that can work against you.

Tigers are actually animals that avoid human presence. However, some of the things above are also necessary to know in case of conflict. Conflicts between humans and Sumatran Tigers often occur and create a stigma that Sumatran Tigers are dangerous wild animals. Such stigma makes humans think it is okay to kill Sumatran Tigers, whereas if we know how to avoid and prevent conflicts, nothing harmful and dangerous will happen, both for tigers and humans.