Saving Sumatran Tigers One Corral at a Time

In the heart of Sumatra’s lush rainforests, where there are estimated to be fewer than 400 Sumatran tigers remaining, hands-on conservation work is an urgent necessity.

Habitat destruction, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict have pushed these majestic big cats to the brink of extinction.

One of the threats they face is retaliation from forest-edge communities after tigers prey on precious livestock, highlighting the need for practical solutions that protect both the livelihoods of local people, and wildlife.

Raw Conservation Adventures field trip leader Lauren Booth recently led a group of dedicated travelers on a field trip that directly contributed to tiger conservation by helping local Sumatran Rangers build a predator-proof livestock corral in a forest-edge community.

This hands-on initiative not only protects local livelihoods but also plays a crucial role in preventing human-wildlife conflict, one of the biggest threats to wild tigers.

A Practical Solution to Protect Tigers and Livelihoods

Livestock predation by tigers can be devastating for forest-edge communities, often leading to retaliatory killings that threaten the survival of these magnificent big cats.

Predator-proof corrals have proven to be an effective solution, ensuring that livestock remains safe overnight and fostering positive community attitudes toward coexisting with wildlife, while Sumatran Rangers and Raw adventurers work tirelessly to build them.

Over the course of a week, travelers worked alongside rangers to construct secure enclosures, providing many extra hands for this crucial conservation effort.

Building a livestock corral in the heat and humidity of Sumatra’s jungle is no easy task but the group embraced the physical demands of the project with determination and enthusiasm.

Their reward? The deep satisfaction of knowing they had made a real difference in protecting a critically endangered species and supporting local communities.

“The experience of leading a group of like-minded people to experience firsthand the conservation values and projects that they had only previously supported from afar is always a privilege. Seeing the energy created with the group renewing everyone's passion for wildlife conservation was inspiring, especially after the physicality of each day building the corral, which could be intense - but nothing a cold beer while sitting in the pristine Buluh River couldn't fix!

One of the things I enjoyed most about leading this group was the creation of a fun, safe, and understanding environment that allowed people within the group to step outside their comfort zones and experience nature and wildlife in a way that they had previously not thought within their capabilities.

It was incredibly special to share in some of these moments that they had only dreamed about.” - Field Trip Leader Lauren

A Bucket-List Adventure with a Purpose

Beyond the hard work of building the corral, the group ventured into wild Sumatran tiger habitat, trekking with experienced rangers and forest guides.

They learned firsthand how rangers monitor tiger and elephant populations, using tracking techniques and camera traps to gather vital data, remove illegal wildlife snares, and look for signs of illegal activity or human-wildlife conflict.

Seeing tiger tracks and learning about the ongoing challenges of protecting these animals deepened the travellers’ understanding of conservation in action. For many, this was more than just an adventure—it was a meaningful and inspiring professional development experience in the field of conservation.

Conservation Travel with Integrity

Travellers who join Raw Conservation Adventures seek more than just a trip—they seek purpose, real impact, ethical travel, and authenticity.

As one traveller put it:

“What truly set Raw Conservation Adventures apart was their commitment and respect for the local environment.”

This ethos of meaningful and respectful travel is at the core of Raw’s mission, ensuring that every adventure contributes to the greater good.

Through initiatives like this corral building field trip, Raw Conservation Adventures continues to redefine conservation travel, proving that hands-on participation is one of the most powerful ways to protect the world’s most vulnerable wildlife.

If you’re looking for adventures that leave a lasting impact, check out our upcoming trips.

Protecting the Leuser Ecosystem

The Leuser Ecosystem is more than just a forest—it is a haven that sustains life on a massive scale, and the last place on earth where Sumatran tigers, elephants, and rhino coexist in the wild.

Losing it would mean losing species that have existed for millions of years, displacing communities, and accelerating climate change.

By supporting ethical conservation programs, responsible tourism, and sustainable local industries, we can ensure that this priceless ecosystem remains intact for future generations, protecting the wildlife and people that call it home.