Save Tiger : Tiger constitute the top carnivores in the ecosystem and is at the apex of the food chain.
The tiger is an animal that needs no introduction. Its majestic black stripes on brown fur and the white underside are iconic, just like its apex predatory status. Hence, India officially designated the Royal Bengal tiger as the national animal. However, many other countries have also designated various species of tigers as their national animal. For instance, Malaysia designated the Malayan tiger as its national animal. Siberian tiger is the national animal of South Korea and Bangladesh designated the Bengal Tiger as its national animal.
Tigers require an extremely large habitat to hunt prey and raise their young. Moreover, tigers are solitary animals, which means they generally live alone. Tiger cubs usually stay with their mother for about two years before venturing out to establish territories of their own. Tigers used to be more widespread before man started to encroach its habitat. In fact, the current habitat of tigers is severely dwindled, with an estimated 93% lost in the last few decades. Consequently, the tiger is now listed as an endangered species by the IUCN Red List. For perspective, at the start of the 20th century, an estimated 100,000 individuals had existed in the wild. Today, that number is less than 4,000. If humans continue with their destructive actions, tigers may become extinct.
Reasons for the Decline of Tiger Population
One of the biggest reasons for the decline in their population is the destruction of their habitat. Humans cut down forests and convert them into agricultural farmlands or other towns. This means that the tigers are forced to wander into human territories, looking for food. Most interactions between humans and tigers almost always end in fatal consequences. Another major reason why the tiger population is dwindling is because of poaching.
From the black market perspective, tiger skin is extremely valuable and is typically gifted as non-financial bribes. It is also turned into rugs or used as luxury home decors. Tiger claws and teeth are used as jewellery and talismans. Tiger bones are ground to a powder, to be used as a medicine or tonic. The bones are also used in the preparation of wine that supposedly provides unproven health benefits.
Tiger meat is sometimes considered as luxury meat. One of the biggest markets for these tiger products is in China. The aforementioned tiger bone finds many applications in China from cures to diseases to health supplements Though the Chinese government has banned the trade of tiger parts, the strong cultural beliefs have a significant influence on demand – which is now catered by the black market.
How To Protect Tigers?
With the population of tigers dwindling at an alarming rate, many countries across the world have launched campaigns that are designed to help increase the tiger population. One of the most important campaigns launched by India is the Project Tiger, which was launched by the first woman prime minister of India – Indira Gandhi. The project was very successful in its endeavor, tripping the number of Bengal tigers from 1,200 (1973) to 3,500 (1990). However, the numbers have significantly reduced again due to poaching.
Conclusion on Save Tigers
The tiger is an iconic animal known around the world. However, the animal is also endangered and may go extinct within the next few decades if proper measures are not taken in time. It is important to save tigers and ensure that they are able to safely breed and continue their population because if it becomes extinct, the animal is gone for good.
