Why Do We Need to Protect The Tiger?
Were you aware that in the past century, there were more than 100,000 tigers in the wild and now there are only about 5500 tigers left in the world? As per the St. Petersburg declaration, there was a 40% decline in the numbers between 2000 and 2010. What is interesting to note is that out of 5500 tigers left, about 3600 of them are in India, which amounts to almost 75% of the global population.
But there is a need to understand why tigers are becoming endangered and what is leading to the reduction in their numbers. Here are some of the contributing factors:
- With more and more people venturing into the jungles and clearing areas to create living spaces, the natural habitat for the tigers and all other animals is in fact reducing. This leads to animals venturing into human habitats, and the fear of the animals often leads to their killings. It is important to remember that animals like tigers need large territories, where they can live, hunt and breed. But with the massive amount of deforestation, for all purposes, including human habitat and agriculture, there is no longer enough space for the tigers.
- When humans start entering the areas of the tigers, the animals have no choice but to venture outwards. This leads to a conflict between the two – tigers might prey on domesticated animals seeing them as a source of food, and when there is a chance of attacking humans, they end up killing the animals, hence creating the need to protect tigers.
- Another reason that has contributed to the reduced numbers of tigers has to be hunting and poaching – while hunting is no longer legal, there is still a high demand for their skin, bones, and other body parts, which has led to high levels of poaching. Traditional Chinese medicines and certain cultural beliefs in some Asian countries, demand parts of the tiger body to increase vitality and vigor. In order to meet these demands, poachers show no mercy to these incredible animals.
- There has also been a lack of proper methods to ensure the conservation of tigers – there not only has to be the will of the people but also steps from the government and other authorities. Conservation is not the effort of only one country or its people – there is a need for international cooperation on this.
Why does tiger conservation need to become a topic of conversation?
There will be a faction of people who would talk about the callousness of this topic – after all, it's just an animal. Why should there be any effort or even conversation on how to protect tigers? What these people might not realize is that tigers, like a host of other animals, are an essential part of our ecosystem and their existence in decent numbers is crucial for a host of reasons.
- If we want a proper balance in our ecosystem and want it to be healthy and thriving, then the life of apex predators such as tigers is crucial. When they hunt, they are actually helping balance the food chain. Imagine, if there were too many herbivores; the food crops for humans would be affected. So, by keeping the herbivore numbers in check, the predators are doing us the favour!
- In several cultures, including many in India, the tiger is a revered animal – from Lord Ayyappa to Goddess Durga, the tiger is not only a vehicle, it is also considered symbolic of strength, power, and raw beauty!
- There is a unique genetic variation that you get to see in tigers – from their markings, the colors, and even the thickness of coats – and this is a reason why scientists all over the world are looking to study these graceful animals. By studying them, there will be access to a deeper understanding of ecology, biology, and animal behavior. The insights that are gained through research such as this, will be opportunities to apply the same to other animals as well.
- Protecting tigers is also important from an educational point of view – future generations should not have to see these majestic creatures in books and videos. They should be able to see them in their natural habitats and get a better understanding of why there is a need to protect not just tigers but also other animals.
What are NGOs Doing to Save Tigers in India?
While we might sit around and think about what can we do to save tigers, there are NGOs that are working towards protecting these animals. It is important to remember several of these organizations are working to protect not just tigers, but also other animals and the ecosystem as a whole.
- For instance, there are several organizations that are working towards preserving existing habitats of these animals, which could be in the form of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Many of them are also working towards the restoration of habitats, where tigers and other such animals once thrived.
- Given that poaching is a major problem contributing to the dwindling numbers of tigers, there are several organizations that are actively involved in anti-poaching activities. They work in close collaboration with local communities, and even law enforcement agencies to identify and deter poachers.
- Monitoring has a huge role to play in protecting and eventually increasing the numbers, which is why there are volunteers associated with certain organizations, who are completely involved with tracking and monitoring the existing population and also doing active research to get a better understanding.
- Another problem that has led to declining numbers of tigers is their interaction with humans; which is why, there are organizations that work in close connection with communities that live near tiger habitats or wildlife parks and sanctuaries, educating them on how to save tigers and live in harmony with the animals.
Here are the NGOs That are Working on Ways to Save Tigers
In order to raise awareness about tigers, it was decided globally that each year, July 29 be celebrated as International Tiger Day. The idea behind the day was to not only create awareness but also spread education about these magnificent cats and how they are important to our world. Thankfully, there are several NGOs, not just in India, but also those working on a global level, to save tigers in India and across the world.
- World Wide Fund for Nature-India (WWF - India): Perhaps one of the most well-known non-government organizations working towards protecting and conserving wildlife and their habitats, WWF has a wing functioning in India too, and was actually started in the year 1969. Their work towards protecting tigers is more than 50 years in action now and their work extends towards addressing the conservation of these species and working towards finding solutions to the issues that surround the tigers. They work in close collaboration with forest departments and enforcement agencies to set up cameras to capture the movements of the cats. They have also assisted in monitoring that allows for the reduction of human-animal conflicts. Presently, they are working on identifying and securing corridors that connect tiger habitats.
- Wildlife Trust Of India: What started as a 3-member team in the year 1998 is today 150 strong and growing! WTI includes a range of experts who are concerned about the ecosystem, wildlife, and tigers specifically. Their team includes conservation biologists, scientists, and wildlife veterinarians, which allows them to be proper authorities in the world of wildlife conservation. They work in collaboration with forest departments to rescue tigers from situations of conflict and rehabilitate them. WTI also spreads awareness about the need and ways to save tigers.
- Wild Tiger Foundation: Working mostly in the southern parts of the country, this organization is working towards tiger conservation in states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. They also work in tandem with the Centre for Wildlife Studies to help reverse the decline of the tiger population and use science, education, and management to do the same. One interesting method they have utilized to increase awareness is to ask brands to use tiger imagery in the materials and products.
- Tiger Haven Society: Founded in 2002 by Kr. “Billy '' Arjan Singh, Tiger Haven Society is a true haven for big cats. As a respected wildlife warrior, activist, and author, Singh’s intention was to leave behind a legacy, where animals of all kinds were offered protection. His efforts led to the creation of the first national park in Uttar Pradesh, The Dudhwa National Park, which today, is home to several animals, including tigers.
Serious steps need to be taken towards protecting these big cats and we need to put into place proper steps on how to conserve the tiger population. Give Discover celebrates the NGOs that are working towards the same and invites you to join the initiatives!
