Persuasive argument: Sumatran tigers

 Down below is a persuasive argument disguised as a letter. The letter is about Sumatran tigers, and why we should stop killing them.

Dear Joko Widodo, President of Indonesia,

I am writing to tell you that I am concerned about the number of critically endangered species in Indonesia. I have chosen only one, though there were many options.

Sumatran tigers are a shy species that need to be protected better.  Why do I say this? As you very well know, Sumatran tigers are dwindling in numbers and they will be extinct in just years. There are fewer than 400 in the wild, and they are dying out in their own habitat! Cruel, no? And the reasons they are dying out are horrible, for their skin and their insides. Their skin to be used as rugs and their insides to be medicine! Which, you probably knew as well.

When a species goes extinct, it leaves behind a scar, which affects the entire ecosystem.The tiger is a unique animal which plays an important role in our ecosystem. It is a top predator that keeps the population of wild animals in check, therefore keeping the balance between prey, herbivores and the vegetation upon which they eat.

Sumatran tigers are the smallest of their species, the tiger. They are also shy, and tend to avoid people. So why are we killing them? For our own satisfaction and our greed. Greed is a dangerous thing when it comes to humans and animals. We take, but never give. And what has the Sumatran tiger done to us? Nothing. Nothing, absolutely nothing, but instead of giving them the respect they deserve for keeping our ecosystem afloat, we make them into rugs to wipe our feet on.

There are eight main species of tiger, and three of them are already extinct. Are you ready to have it on your conscience that a fourth species has died out, in front of your own eyes? I am not saying it’s your fault, but I am saying you might have to lay the laws a little heavier. Reinforce boundaries perhaps?

Thank you for your time

Atawhai Dickson, New Zealand