International Tiger Day: About 95% of the Tiger Population has Dropped Over Last 150 years
Several factors like illegal wildlife trade, poaching, human-wildlife conflict, habitat loss, and fragmentation have led to the decrease in Tiger population over the years.
Every year on July 29, International Tiger Day is observed with the motive for urgent action to protect tigers and stop the illegal trade in wildlife.
Several countries signed the agreement in the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit, which was held in Russia, in 2010. The agreement was regarding raising awareness of the decreasing tiger population globally and preserving the natural habitat of tigers. Also, the representatives from various countries declared that the tiger-populated countries would thrive to double the tiger population by the end of the year 2022. This year the theme for the international day is, “Their Survival is in our hands”.
Several factors like illegal wildlife trade, poaching, human-wildlife conflict, habitat loss, and fragmentation have led to the decrease in their population over the years.
As per the records, four species of tigers are already extinct; Bali Tiger, Caspian Tiger, Javan Tiger, and Tiger Hybrids. Therefore observing World Tiger Day is very vital.
According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the numbers of wild Tigers have dropped by more than 95% over the last 150 years and only 3900 of them are present globally.
India consists of about 70% of the global tiger population with 51 tiger reserves spread across 18 states, hence it plays a vital role in conservation. With thriving efforts by the Environment Department and tiger reserves in place, India has successfully doubled the tiger population ahead of the 2022 target.
Prime minister Narendra Modi said in a tweet, “On #InternationalTigerDay, greetings to wildlife lovers, especially those who are passionate about tiger conservation. Home to over 70% of the tiger population globally, we reiterate our commitment to ensuring safe habitats for our tigers and nurturing tiger-friendly eco-systems.”
With consistent awareness of tiger protection and the continuous efforts of Environment Departments there will be a difference in the future, and the threat of extinction will definitely be eradicated.