Endangered Animals Tigers

Tigers are a symbol of power and strength. Many Empires in India had tigers as their national symbol. The Pashupati seal of the Indus valley civilization had a figure of tiger on it. Later, it became the symbol of Chola Empire in South India. Today, it is the national animal of India.

The freely roaming tigers are found across the world ranging from the islands of Java, Bali, and Sumatra in Indonesia to eastern Turkey. They are the natural inhabitants of South Asia, and are chiefly found in the eastern province of India and the Sunderbans in Bangladesh. Tigers are also spotted in China and the far eastern region of Russia.

The pugmarks of tigers are used for census of tigers in the forests. A survey of tigers conducted in 2010, estimates that only 1167-1657 tigers are in India, 200-419 tigers in Bangladesh, 100-194 tigers in Nepal, and 67-81 tigers in Bhutan.

The pugmark method of counting of tigers is not foolproof, as pointed out by many environmentalists. Nowadays, modern camera trap is used for the counting of tigers. This has led to a new finding that the area occupied by tigers has also reduced considerably by 41 percent since 1990.

The main reason for the condition of endangered animals tigers is their loss of habitat. Man has encroached upon the forest lands due to rapid urbanization and population explosion. The habitat loss has made endangered tigers homeless. Their population has reduced considerably in recent times.

Another reason for endangerment of tigers is their widespread poaching. Illegal trade in body parts of tigers have made them vulnerable. Tigers are killed for their bones, which have a high value in the international market. Tiger bones are used in traditional Chinese medicines as a muscle strengthener and treatment for Rheumatism. Tigers are also poached for their skins. Skins of tigers are used for making jackets and bags.

Revenge killing by the local villagers is yet another cause for the reducing number of tigers. When a tiger loses its way, and enters the nearby villages causing destruction to the local people, it is attacked by the village mob.

Government of India started Project Tiger in 1972 to conserve the endangered tigers. Initially, the project showed success, and reversed the declining trend. But, again, the trend of decreasing number of tigers has begun. In 1990, the estimated number of tigers was 3,642, which has reduced to 1,400 in 2008. Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI) has registered 893 cases of tigers killed in India between 1994 and 2009.

Moreover, the Government of India has established 37 Tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries across seventeen Indian states for the conservation of endangered tigers.

Promotion of eco-tourism can help to conserve the endangered animals tigers without disturbing the local economy. Government of Nepal has initiated a community based tourism model to protect the endangered tigers. It aims at co-existence of the man and the wildlife. The model can benefit the local economy without destroying the natural habitats of the animals.

Therefore, endangered animals tigers need to be protected. Once they are lost completely, they cannot be restored.