Tiger Products Research Articles

The illegal market in tiger parts in northern Sumatra, Indonesia

The Sumatran tiger is the only one of three original subspecies of tigers that survives in Indonesia today. Its wild population, estimated to be 400–650 animals, has progressively diminished because of habitat destruction, poaching and the removal of tigers involved in conflicts with local farmers. This paper presents previously undocumented information on the market in tiger products. It shows that, while no documentation of intentional tiger poaching to meet an international demand for tiger bones was recorded, the domestic demand for tiger bones, teeth and claws is still a potential threat to the future survival of this subspecies. In addition to continuing work to protect the integrity of tiger habitat in Sumatra, enforcement actions are required to prevent the domestic market for tiger parts increasing the threats to this subspecies and to ensure its conservation.

TIGER Products for Planning

Abstract This report examines the TIGER system and related products to help planners understand the basic concepts underlying the system and its relevance for planning. The report first introduces the TIGER system, pointing out what it is—and what it is not. The second section examines the unique and powerful way geographic data are stored in the TIGER system that allow it to deal with topology—the spatial relationship between points and lines on a map. The third section examines the TIGER/Line® data files, the first and potentially most important TIGER data released to the public. The fourth considers some of the ways the TIGER/Line data can be used in planning. The fifth examines several software packages that can be used with the TIGER/Line files. The final section evaluates the TIGER system and considers its future role in planning.