Sumatra is the only place in the world where tigers, elephants, rhinos and orangutans  occur.

It is home to the forest with the greatest vascular plant diversity of any lowland forest ever studied.

It is estimated to contain the largest store of peat carbon in Southeast Asia under its peat forests.

It is high in plant endemism -plants found nowhere else in the world - including exotic species like the tallest flower in the world (Amorphophallus titanum) and the world’s largest individual flower Rafflesia arnoldii

It contains nine “tiger conservation landscapes” identified by experts as important habitat for Sumatran tigers.

Why it matters to save Sumatra?

Sumatra’s Forests

Sumatra’s forests are important watersheds, provide livelihood for millions of people, and serve as critical carbon stores for the planet. These forests are also famous throughout the world for their rich biodiversity and exotic wildlife.
Yet Sumatra has one of the highest rates of forest loss in the world. Between 1985 and 2007, the island lost  12 million hectares of natural forest, a 48% loss in 22 years. By 2007, the island had only 30% forest cover (13 million hectares).

Sumatra’s Species

Sumatra’s elephants, tigers, rhinos and orangutans are species found nowhere else on Earth. They will survive only if their last remaining forests are protected – so will the thousands of other species depending on these forests.  Uncontrolled deforestation drives wildlife out of the forest in search for food. Conflict results as wildlife and people compete for the same space. Elephants and people die. Deforestation has become a public safety hazard.



Sumatra’s People and Way of Life

Protecting forests benefits people. Healthy forests provide drinking water, food, flood protection and jobs for local communities. 

Sumatra’s people have long been responsible stewards of the forests and species, passing on to the next generation healthy forests used sustainably. But uncontrolled land clearing threatens the future of even the last of Sumatra’s forests and the life they support. 

Let’s leave our children healthy forests to use and enjoy.




See also: Quick Facts about Sumatra