In recent years, the world has witnessed a shocking decline in the number of tigers worldwide. It is estimated that the number of tigers in the wild has decreased by almost 97% in the last century, with only around 4,000 left in the world.

Among the various subspecies of tigers, the Sumatran tiger is one of the most critically endangered, with fewer than 400 remaining in the wild.

Volunteers, such as those at Harimau Kita, are working tirelessly to protect and preserve the Sumatran tiger.

Unfortunately, it is not an easy task, as poaching and deforestation continue to threaten the survival of these majestic animals.

The Sumatran tiger is an endangered subspecies of tiger that lives only on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. It was listed as critically endangered on the Red List by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2008. The main threats to their survival are poaching deforestation and the illegal wildlife trade.

Poachers often set traps, including steel cages, in the forest, which not only trap tigers but also other animals. Deforestation is also a significant problem, as the Sumatran tiger's habitat is rapidly shrinking due to the conversion of land to housing, mines, and palm plantations.

Harimau Kita is a volunteer organization that was founded in 2008 to protect and preserve Sumatran tigers. It has over 100 members, including experts and scholars in related fields, and is supported by about 300 volunteers from all walks of life in Sumatra.

The volunteers are responsible for monitoring and surveying the survival of Sumatran tigers. This is a challenging task as the volunteers have to cross forests and highlands, which are places full of danger for humans.

In addition to monitoring, Harimau Kita devotes much of its efforts to educating people living near tiger habitats on how to avoid conflicts with tigers and other wildlife. This education is essential as it can prevent incidents such as tiger attacks, which can result in the death of both humans and tigers.

The Sumatran Natural Resources Conservation Agency has stated that leaving Sumatran tigers with abundant and separate living space is not practical, as the impetus behind land development has been strong.

Therefore, the only solution, for now, is that humans should learn to live in harmony with Sumatran tigers because their habitat is declining. This harmony requires a balance between the needs of humans and the needs of wildlife.

The survival of the Sumatran tiger is crucial not only for the preservation of the species but also for the preservation of the ecosystem. Volunteers such as those at Harimau Kita play a crucial role in protecting and preserving Sumatran tigers.

However, it is essential to remember that the survival of these majestic animals ultimately depends on the actions of individuals, communities, and governments worldwide.