Tigers are the largest species of cat and one of the most iconic animals on the planet. One hundred years ago, there were 100,000 wild tigers.By the year 2010, as few as 3,200 wild tigers remained.
This shocking 97% population decline was driven by rampant poaching and habitat loss. In 2010, governments of the 13 tiger range countries decided innovative conservation efforts were needed. The most ambitious and visionary species conservation goal was set: to double the number of wild tigers by 2022 – the next Chinese year of the tiger.
The goal is called Tx2. WWF’s global tiger programme is driving Tx2 forward. Present Strength of tiger population in the world is 3,890. their strength in india is 2,226, 70% of total tiger population.
WHY ARE TIGERS IMPORTANT?
Tigers are one of the world’s most iconic species. Being part of our planet’s natural heritage, they have great cultural and historical significance. Yet they are more than just a magnificent animal – they are also crucial for the ecosystems in which they live. As top predators of the food chain, tigers keep populations of prey species in check, which in turn maintains the balance between herbivores and the vegetation upon which they feed. Balanced ecosystems are not only important for wildlife, but for people too – both locally, nationally and globally. People rely on forests, whether it is directly for their livelihoods or indirectly for food and products used in our daily lives. As the effects of climate change are becoming more apparent, natural forests are becoming increasingly important; providing fresh water, clean air and regulating the climate to limit extreme weather, such as droughts and storms.
Tigers not only protect the forest by maintaining ecological integrity, but also by bringing the highest levels of protection and investment to an area. Tigers are an “umbrella species” – meaning their conservation also conserves many other species in the same area. They are long-ranging and require vast amounts of habitat to survive; an adult male’s home range varies from 150 km2 – 1000 km2. Large areas of intact forest therefore must be preserved for tiger conservation. Due to high demand from the illegal wildlife trade, tigers also bring robust enforcement against poaching and habitat encroachment, as well as systematic biological monitoring.
By protecting tigers, we are protecting forests – something which ultimately benefits us all.
WHO ARE THE TIGER RANGE COUNTRIES?
Wild tigers are found in a variety of habitats across Asia. There are currently 13 tiger range countries; Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand and Viet Nam.
IS TX2 ACHIEVABLE?
Yes, but only with full commitment from the tiger range countries. The Tiger Summit in 2010 resulted in the Global Tiger Recovery Plan which outlines how each country can reach the Tx2 target. This plan is largely outdated and a new action plan is required with intensified efforts from governments to ensure we reach the goal.
Tigers are cats and therefore breed easily. Given adequate space, prey base and protection, the wild tiger population can increase. Habitats for the increased tiger population have been identified, including 20 Tx2 recovery sites where tiger populations have the potential to recover rapidly if the required conservation investment is received. These sites are key areas of hope for Tx2. Reintroduction may also be possible in some countries.
However, global poaching levels have reached critical levels. Organised criminal gangs are increasingly involved in the illegal wildlife trade driven by a demand for tiger parts. Tiger governments must combat poaching if tigers are to have a future.
6,000+ wild tigers is the global goal set at the Tiger Summit and the goal WWF is dedicated to. It is ambitious; the intention of the Tiger Summit was to set the bar as high as possible to ensure tiger conservation would be given the priority, effort, innovation and investment required. While 6,000+ is the peak of the Tx2 ambitions, reversing the global decline of preceding decades is an enormous and rare conservation success never before achieved in tiger conservation.
2016: THE CRITICAL HALFWAY POINT
This year marks the half way point of Tx2. The six years leading up to it have laid the foundations and 2016 will be pivotal if we are to double wild tigers by 2022. We are at an exciting moment in time where we have managed to halt the rapid decline of tigers. Now we need a monumental push forward to ensure they increase, and continue to increase, up and beyond 2022. We need commitment and dedication from all tiger range governments. We need passion, enthusiasm and unwavering support from the public.
No comments:
Post a Comment