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Tiger Conservation

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Tigers Critically Endangered
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Tigers Critically Endangered

It has taken millions of years for tigers to evolve into the beautiful, awe-inspiring predator we have today. Once roaming over nearly one fifth of earth's land, the tiger has been pushed into small isolated islands of habitat, often surrounded by a sea of humanity. It is presently a very real possibility that the tiger will become extinct in our lifetime. Tiger conservation is therefore now more critical than ever.

The wild tiger population is at an all-time low. "How many tigers are left in the wild?" is a common question asked, and to give an honest answer – nobody really knows! Due to their elusive nature, accurately counting tigers is very difficult.

What we do know is that the tiger is on the brink of extinction. In the last sixty years we have lost three sub-species of tiger. The Balinese, Caspian and Javanese tigers are gone forever. It is estimated that just 100 years ago there were over 100,000 tigers in the vast forests of Asia; today it is possible that fewer than 5,000 remain. Humans are the only race capable of wiping out an entire species, making us solely responsible for the tiger's demise. We are also their only hope. The future survival of the tiger is in the hands of mankind.

The four main contributing factors to the decline in tiger populations are habitat destruction, poaching and prey depletion, human/animal conflict and lack of political will power.

 

Habitat Destruction

The forests where tigers and their prey live are disappearing at an alarming rate. This is not only due to the pressure that local populations exert on these forests, but also to large multinational companies exploiting these natural habitats for their short-term greed. This habitat destruction further compounds the tiger's struggle by fragmenting and isolating small tiger populations. Sumatra has the highest rate of habitat destruction in the world. In Indonesia, 70% of logging is carried out illegally. This habitat destruction affects not only the tiger population, but also other species such as orangutans, elephants and the Javan rhino to name a few. Less than 10% of India's natural forest cover remains, of which most has degraded.

 

Poaching and prey depletion

Another major threat to the tiger is the black market trade in their bones and body parts. These body parts are used in traditional Asian medicines all over the world and even for souvenirs. It is estimated that somewhere in the vicinity of one to five tigers are being mindlessly slaughtered every day in the wild to supply this trade. Although illegal, weak law enforcement in most tiger range countries ensures that this trade continues. Poaching not only directly affects tiger populations, but in addition the poaching of the tigers' prey forces them to turn to alternative food sources, often leading to human/animal conflict.

 

Human/animal conflict

Increased habitat destruction, poaching and prey depletion has a compounding effect. The result is an in increase in contact between tigers and the local communities. This often leads to attacks on livestock and domestic animals. In retaliation, people resort to killing tigers. Ultimately the tiger comes off second best!

 

Lack of political will power

Tiger populations have, in the past, bounced back when government restrictions on poaching were strong.  When governments don’t enforce anti-poaching and habitat destruction laws, tiger populations decrease rapidly.

The threats that the tiger faces are immense and complex, and we must adopt a holistic approach to effectively deal with them. The tiger can be saved, but we have to act today. 

Wildlife Warriors is leading the way in tiger conservation working at the front line, actively in the field. You can help by supporting Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors and choosing 'Tiger Conservation Projects' in the donation form.

 

Warriors At Work

The tiger is one of the most critically endangered animals in the world.  Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors are involved in vital tiger conservation programs in three key areas of tiger habitat across Asia.

Indonesia – Kerinci Seblat National Park, Sumatra

We work in partnership with Fauna & Flora International (FFI) in Kerinci Semblat National Park. This national park covers 1.5 million hectares and is estimated to be home to 150 Sumatran tigers.

Our key objectives include:

- Keeping Tiger Conservation and Protection Units (TCPU) in operation. The TCPU consists of mobile teams of four trained personell that conduct forest patrols and investigate reports of poaching and other environmental crimes.

- Working with local communities.
We offer practical solutions to mitigate conflict between local villagers and wildlife, and educate local villagers on environmental protection.

 

Key activities include:

- Generating and updating tiger information
- Surveying of key species
- Training of key field personnel
- Provision for anti-poaching patrols including packs, boots and medical equipment

 

Where the money goes

Costs

Each TCPU (Tiger Conservation and Protection Unit) in Kerinci Seblat National Park costs approximately $87,000 and includes:

- Education
- Training
- Vehicles
- Communication equipment
- Surveillance equipment
- Camping/general equipment
- Community education

Benefits

- 120,000 hours of forest patrols
- 2000km walked by forest patrols
- Hundreds of villages educated annually
- Thousands of square metres of forests protected
- Thousands of other species protected (biodiversity)
- Protection of the local people's livelihoods
- Protection of vital watersheds