Tiger our national animal is fighting for its life. From around 40,000 at the turn of the last century, there are just 1411. The figer may change at any point of time. As very few tigers are left in India and if we don’t act now, we could lose this part of our heritage forever. Send this article to as many friends as your can to give your support towards Tigers. Speak up, blog, share the concern, and stay informed… Every little bit of your movement towards tigers will Help.
Tigers are facing major population losses & extinction. Tigers are killed for sport, skins & body parts. Our Past says that during the year 1950s we saw extinction of the Caspian tiger. The Bali and Java tiger are also extinct. The last Bali Tiger was killed in 1937; the last Javan tiger was seen in 1972. The South China tiger (20-30 are remaining), is nearly extinct in the wild.
The Bengal Tiger is endangered because it is poached for its body parts to cater to an illegal market. Another reason is habitat loss due to depletion of forest cover interference of humans and encroachment of forest land by people causing fragmentation.
At the turn of the century, there were almost reportedly 40,000 to 45,000 tigers in India, but now there are very few to just 1411 remain in the wild. Tiger is symbol of wilderness and well-being of the ecosystem. By conserving and saving tigers the entire wilderness ecosystem is conserved. In nature, barring human beings and their domesticates, rest of the ecosystem is wild.
The wildlife products traded illegally from the country are Musk Deer for cosmetics, Bear for skin and bear bile, Elephant Tusk for ivory, Rhino horns for aphrodisiac, Tiger and Leopard skins for fashion products, oriental medicines and food, Snakes and Monitor Lizard skins for leather industry, Birds for pet trade and feather for decoration, Swiftlet nests for soups, Mongoose for bristles, Turtles for meat and soup, and Tibetan Antelope for shawls.
It is estimated that quantum of trade in wildlife products is just next to narcotics, valued at nearly 20 billion dollars in the global market; of this more than one third is illegal.
As per the monitoring exercise by Wildlife Institute of India in association with National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Government of India using camera traps, in 2008 we were left with only 1,411 tigers. This number is so small that they will be gone soon if we don’t wake up to the crisis.
The tiger is not just a charismatic species. It’s not just a wild animal living in some forest either. The tiger is a unique animal which plays a pivotal role in the health and diversity of an ecosystem. It is a top predator and is at the apex of the food chain and keeps the population of wild ungulates in check, thereby maintaining the balance between prey herbivores and the vegetation upon which they feed. Therefore the presence of tigers in the forest is an indicator of the well being of the ecosystem. The extinction of this top predator is an indication that its ecosystem is not sufficiently protected, and neither would it exist for long thereafter. If the tigers go extinct, the entire system would collapse.
When we protect one tiger, we protect about a 100 sq. km of area and thus save other species living in its habitat. Therefore, it’s not just about saving a beautiful animal. It is about making sure that we live a little longer as the forests are known to provide ecological services like clean air, water, pollination, temperature regulation etc. This way, our planet can still be home to our children.
Spread the word:
Go out loud and tell others that tigers are dying and that they need our help. As part of my effort I am trying to educated people through www.tipsoninterview.com So try to form forums or join in existing once for discussions and exchange views on how to save tigers and talk about tiger conservation. Reach School going children.
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. 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 and MLA’s informing the nearest police station, If you know of any information on poaching or trade of illegal wildlife.
Saving tiger amounts to saving the ecosystem which is crucial for man’s own survival.
