The majestic tiger, once the top predator of nearly all of Asia's vast tropical and temperate forests, today faces a persistent suite of nearly overwhelming dangers in a vastly diminished range.
Tigers are one of the most iconic yet one of the most endangered animals. Despite their popularity in books, films and religion, fewer than 3,500 remain in the wild today, due largely to agriculture, logging and infrastructure expansion that’s destroyed 90 percent of their habitat.
Tigers are killed in huge numbers for their skins and bones or in retaliation for conflict with humans, their prey are killed by skilled hunters to feed an insatiable local luxury market for 'exotic' bushmeat, and their remaining forest habitats are relentlessly converted to human uses. The good news is that scientists agree that the tiger population can recover as long as their remaining landscapes are effectively monitored and protected. So, what can you do to protect tigers, the king in the jungle? Here are some practical steps you can take to help save the tiger.
1. Spread the word
Tell others that the tiger and its habitat are under threat and that they need our help. You can form forums (or join existing ones) for discussions and exchange views on tiger conservation.
2. Be a responsible tourist
The wilderness is to be experienced and not to be disturbed and polluted. Follow the forest department guidelines when visiting any wilderness area, tiger reserve in particular. As the saying goes ‘Don’t leave anything behind except foot steps, and don’t take anything except memories.
3. Voice your concerns with the policy makers
If you are really concerned and feel that more needs to be done for tiger conservation, then write polite letters to the decision makers - the Prime Minister, the Minister for Environment and Forests or even your local MP, pledging your support for tiger conservation.
4. Help prevent wildlife trade
Say ‘NO’ to tiger trade by refusing to buy tiger parts and items prepared from tiger derivatives. Speak to tiger and wild ungulate poachers and persuade them to give up poaching. If you know of any information on poaching or trade of illegal wildlife, inform the local law enforcement agencies. You can also contact TRAFFIC- an organization fighting the powerful poachers and pass on the information to them.
5. Reducing pressure on natural resources
Ninety-eight percent of the total forest loss in tiger habitats was concentrated in just 10 landscapes. Those with the highest percentage of loss were located in Indonesia and Malaysia, where conversion of forest to agriculture is a major contributing factor. WRI research shows that the world will need to produce 70 percent more food calories in 2050 than it does today to feed a growing population. Much of that demand will be met by commodities like palm oil. Strong forest management practices will be critical to balancing agricultural expansion so that it happens on already degraded lands and doesn’t cause damage to intact tiger habitat.
6. Opportunities for Wildlife Activists and Conservationists
Creating sufficient number of opportunities for young people to take up a career in wildlife is also a very conducive method of saving the animals. Conservationists are strong in making a flourishing species of Tigers a possibility given they are allowed to do their work properly.
