For the first time in 100 years, global tiger populations are on the rise. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), recent data shows that approximately 3,890 tigers live in the wild. In 2010, the estimate was closer to 3,200. The WWF reports that the population is the result of boosted protection techniques that have been extended to tigers in India, Russia, Nepal and Bhutan.
Big cat populations have been suffering for over a century. Prior to this new data, the species suffered a 97 percent decline from 100,000 individuals to 3,200. Wildlife poaching, exotic pet trade and habitat destruction are the leading causes of big cat population declines. The 20 percent increase in global tiger populations gives hope to the Global Tiger Recovery Plan. The Global Tiger Recovery Plan is an intergovernmental effort aimed at doubling the current tiger population by the next Year of the Tiger – 2022.
From the whiskers to the tail, every part of a tiger can be traded, making them a lucrative target.
According to the WWF, rebuilding tiger populations requires land preservation, which will also benefit other species and create healthy ecosystems. Habitat loss and wildlife poaching are the two main dangers that these big cats face. The estimate worth of the underground tiger market is close to $19 billion dollars. Tigers are poached and sold, mostly for obscure scientifically unproven medical benefits. “From the whiskers to the tail, every part of a tiger can be traded, making them a lucrative target” wrote the WWF.
CNN reported that the news broke at a tiger conservation conference in New Delhi, India. The conference was hosted by the WWF and the Global Tiger Forum. WWF shared this tweet:
Great news! Wild #tiger numbers have increased globally for the first time → https://t.co/LWHO3qVe9R #doubletigers pic.twitter.com/8U1Min9HEV
— WWF (@WWF) April 11, 2016
However, the WWF remained cautious amid celebrating the increase and stated that there is “still a long way to go”.
