Sumatran Tigers- A conservation conversation with Leif Cocks
On this episode of Boots on the Ground Podcast, Dibblex speaks with Leif Cocks, the founder, International Tiger Project about Sumatran tigers, a species as Leif puts it, is next on the cutting block to go extinct. The Sumatran tiger (Panthera Tigris Sumatrae) is listed by the International Union For Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as critically endangered. According to Leif, the Bali and Javanese tiger which once occupied the same area as the Sumatran tigers are now extinct. With its numbers dwindling below 400, habitat loss and illegal poaching are among the biggest threats pushing this species to extinction.
Through the International Tiger Project, Leif works with his team to protect these tigers and other species such as elephants from facing threats. They do this by conducting real on the ground protection of the Sumatran rainforest and anti-poaching patrols to ensure the tigers are safe. Coexistence is also key as they have devised ways to keep the local indigenous people from harm for example by constructing tiger proof fences. Leif, through this organization also supports the local children by feeding and educating them to give them a better and promising future.
"Conservation is a self expression of our love for other living beings." - Leif Cocks
Links to Full Episode
About the Guest
Leif is the founder of the International Tiger Project. He has worked with wildlife , including Sumatran Tigers , for more than 30 years. A small population biologist and curator by trade-Leif has several academic qualifications, including a Masters of science. He lectures at Universities, is a seasoned public speaker, and has published several papers in peer reviewed journals.
Leif is also the author of the books Orangutans and their battle for survival (2002), and, Amazon bestseller, Orangutans My cousins, My friends (2016) and Finding our humanity (2019). Amongst many other positions, Leif is currently a technical advisor for PT Alama Bukit Tigapuluh (a company leasing and protecting rainforests), leads the Orangutan Project and International Tiger Project, Vice President of Orang Utan Republik Foundation, and sits on the Advisory board for forest, nature and environment of Aceh.
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