Jambi – The population of the critically endangered Sumatran tiger – scientific name Panthera tigris Sumatrae – in Jambi province has continued to dwindle to an alarmingly low number.

Tri Siswo, Jambi Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) spokesman, said on Tuesday that there were only an estimated 40 tigers left in the area.

According to Tri Siswo, poaching and deforestation activities were the biggest threats against the tigers and eventually caused them to prey on humans.

Tri said the population of the tigers in Berbak National Park (TNB), Kerinci Seblat National Park (TNKS) and the southern area of the province continued to decline because of activities by humans.

Meanwhile, the population of Sumatran tigers in Way Kambas National Park (TNWK), which covers 1,300 square kilometers in Lampung province, is also facing the same situation. According to the latest data issued by TNWK, the number of the tigers in the park has dwindled rapidly.

Sumianto, coordinator of the Sumatran Tiger Rescue and Conservation Foundation (PKHS), said that the current number of tigers found at the park is estimated to be less than 30. In 2,000, there were about 40 tigers.