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| A captive tiger yawns. In the wild, tigers are hunted by poachers for their valuable fur and other body parts. |
Within the last century, three subspecies of tigers — the Javan, Bali and Caspian — have been driven to extinction by humans. Six tiger subspecies remain on our planet, but all are in danger of becoming extinct. (
Click here to learn about the world’s six tiger subspecies.) However, efforts are being made to save these wonderful cats.
The main reason all tigers are endangered is that their habitats have been destroyed by overdevelopment. Tigers’ geographic areas often are divided by human development, so that the tigers become isolated and are unable to range through the large spaces they need to find mates. In addition, many of tigers’ prey species are being destroyed. This means that fewer tigers can find the food they need to survive.
Poaching is another reason tiger number are shrinking. Tigers are killed by poachers for their fur and other body parts, which are used in traditional cures for diseases in China and even to make “tiger wine.” In addition, eating tiger meat is considered a delicacy in some cultures.
Captive Tigers
In China, there are over 5,000 captive tigers of different subspecies. Many are kept at “tiger farms.” Other tigers are kept in abhorrent conditions at zoos, and some are slaughtered for their parts. Groups, such as The International Union for Conservation, have worked to pass resolutions that ban these actions, but these organizations do not have real authority within countries.
In the United States, there are more Siberian tigers in captivity than there are in the wild forests of Asia. Unfortunately, many of these animals are kept as pets or at unregulated zoos. Many are mistreated, injure people or ultimately die of neglect. One attempt at correcting these problems is Haley’s Act. If signed into law, this bill would prevent contact between members of the public and big cats, except at accredited zoos. It is named after Haley, a 17-year-old girl who was mauled to death while posing with a tiger for her high school graduation pictures.
What is being done to Help Tigers?
Tiger conservationists around the world are working to create protected environmental sanctuaries, which are connected by corridors where tigers can roam for thousands of miles without having to enter developing areas. These tiger sanctuaries also employ armed guards to protect the tigers from poachers. Unfortunately, poachers sometimes are able to bribe the guards to gain access to the sanctuaries and hunt tigers.
Conservationists are using radio collars to monitor tigers as they roam and to get a more accurate count of the tigers that remain in the wild. In addition, activists are lobbying governments to make it illegal to kill tigers or to trade in and use tiger parts. Tiger advocates continue to establish government-approved tiger sanctuaries.
Japan has made it illegal to import tiger parts for the use of traditional cures, and a large effort is underway to educate people about alternatives to using tiger parts for medicinal purposes.
Tiger Resources
For more information about each tiger subspecies or to find out how you can help save these beautiful animals, visit the websites below.
Siberian Tiger Project
Save China’s Tigers
The Sumatran Tiger Project
Save the Tiger Fund
Indian Tiger Welfare Society