Problem:

Tigers are on the verge of extinction, according to WWF their are about 5,500 wild tigers left. Tigers are threatened by poaching and habitat loss. Habitats have become fragmented making it more difficult for one population of tigers to reach another. If healthy tiger populations do not have access to one another, breeding becomes more difficult. Tigers now only have 7% of their historic range which continues to decline.

tigermap

Solution:t

Recently tigers have been discovered at much higher altitudes than researchers previously thought possible. With the discovery of tigers in Himalayas in several countries, including Bhutan, a new plan of action has formed; the tiger corridor. The tiger corridor could ?act as a tiger nursery from which tigers could breed safely and spread out to repopulate forests of some of the surrounding countries.” Bhutan plays the connecting puzzle piece by linking tiger populations from Nepal into Bhutan and Northern India through Myanmar, Thailand, Lao P.D.R., Cambodia, and ending in Malaysia. By connecting these countries in carefully planned corridors the government is providing safe ways for tigers to survive in human dominated areas. This is a long term strategy in hopes of not only preventing tigers from becoming extinct but to help tigers repopulate naturally and roam freely once again.

tigercorridor

How You Can Help:

Forest clearing for illegal logging and agricultural cash crops destroys tiger habitat and is a major threat to the survival of tigers. Harvesting palm oil is destroying the forest in which many endangered animals live, including tigers. Over half of the products we use contain palm oil, often disguised under vegetable oil. Check for alternative products that use a sustainable source of palm oil. Or help by spreading awareness and putting pressure on major companies to switch to a sustainable source. Visit change.org for petitions concerning the use of palm oil.

 

Here is a list of ways you can support companies that are implementing sustainable practices:

 

  • Say NO to tiger products
  • Always be aware of what you are buying in other countries. Ask questions to make the product you are purchasing is sustainable and legal (especially to bring back to the United States).