International Tiger Day, also known as Global Tiger Day, is celebrated annually on July 29 to raise awareness about the alarming decline in the global tiger population and to encourage tiger conservation efforts.
History of International Tiger Day
International Tiger Day was established in 2010 at the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit in Russia. The summit aimed to address the critical issue of the rapidly declining tiger population, which had brought tigers to the brink of extinction. During this summit, the governments of tiger-populated countries committed to doubling the tiger population by 2020.
Significance of International Tiger Day
The significance of International Tiger Day lies in its focus on the preservation and expansion of tiger habitats and populations. Over the past century, the world has lost 97% of its tiger population, leaving only about 3,900 wild tigers today, according to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). Tigers are not only the largest species in the cat family but also serve as key indicators of a healthy ecosystem.
India’s Role in Tiger Conservation
India plays a crucial role in global tiger conservation, housing nearly 70% of the world’s tiger population. Project Tiger, launched in 1973, marked India’s pioneering efforts to save tigers. Initially covering 9 reserves, the project now spans 50 reserves across the country. The latest All India Tiger Estimation Report 2018, released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, revealed that India has achieved its 2022 target of 2,967 tigers, showing a 33% increase in tiger numbers from the previous census.
Challenges to Tiger Conservation
- Poaching and Illegal Trade: Tigers are poached for traditional Chinese medicine and illegal wildlife trade, with high prices placed on their body parts.
- Habitat Loss: Urbanization and agricultural expansion have led to a loss of 93% of tiger habitats.
- Climate Change: Rising sea levels threaten habitats like the Sundarbans, home to the Royal Bengal Tigers.
- Diseases: Epidemics like Feline Panleucopenia and tuberculosis pose significant threats to tiger populations.
- Genetic Diversity Loss: Studies, such as those from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), show a loss of genetic diversity in populations like those in Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.
- Habitat Degradation: Developmental activities in protected areas disturb tigers’ secure habitats.
- Human-Wildlife Conflict: Increasing encounters between humans and tigers negatively impact tiger populations.
- Lack of Protection Infrastructure: Inadequate protection measures hinder conservation efforts.
- Tourism: Rising tourism in tiger habitats can disrupt their natural environments.
Conservation Efforts and Success Stories
Despite these challenges, concerted efforts by international organizations like WWF, IFAW, and the Smithsonian Institution continue to support tiger conservation. India’s commitment is particularly noteworthy, with states like Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Uttarakhand showing significant tiger populations.
Conclusion
Tigers are an integral part of our planet’s natural heritage and ecosystems. Protecting tigers means preserving biodiversity, as they are “umbrella species” whose conservation ensures the protection of many other species. On International Tiger Day 2024, let’s pledge to protect these majestic creatures and their habitats for a healthier and more balanced ecosyst
