Sumatran tiger spotted near Zamrud National Park, officials say

Authorities in Riau, Indonesia, are investigating a reported Sumatran tiger sighting near a water injection plant access road; BBKSDA sent a response team from Zamrud National Park and said it is conducting direct confirmation.

A reported sighting of a Sumatran tiger in Riau province has drawn attention from the public and wildlife officials. The sighting was reported near the Water Injection Plant access road in the Zamrud Area in Siak district. Riau's Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA) dispatched a response team from nearby Zamrud National Park and said it is conducting direct confirmation. Images of the animal appeared online, and the sighting was reported in mid-January. Reported details: - Location: near the Water Injection Plant access road in the Zamrud Area, Siak district, Riau. - Agency response: BBKSDA Riau dispatched a field team from Zamrud National Park and said the team is conducting direct confirmation, according to BBKSDA technical chief Ujang Holisudin. - Park proximity: Zamrud National Park borders the industrial property where the tiger was seen and is likely nearby habitat. - Population context: The Sumatran tiger is rare, with an estimated wild population on the order of a few hundred animals spread across about 27 locations, often 10–20 tigers per site. - Threats: The population is declining; reports note that roughly five to 10 tigers are killed each year and that human encounters and poaching are major threats. Summary: The sighting highlights that Sumatran tigers can appear near developed sites and underscores the role of nearby protected habitat such as Zamrud National Park. BBKSDA's field checks and direct confirmation are underway. Undetermined at this time.