HELP CONSERVE AN ENDANGERED SPECIES

Tigers are highly endangered with less than 3,200 tigers in the wild. Three species of tigers have already become extinct, soon to be followed by the few species that remain if we don?t do something to help. Poaching is one reason tigers are endangered; every part of the tiger has value in the black market. Secondly, the tiger?s habitat is being destroyed. Without a place to live the number of tigers left in the wild will keep declining until there are no more. Sadly more tigers already live in captivity than do in the wild. With increasing human populations human and tiger conflict is also on the rise.

WHAT IS TIGER CONSERVATION?

Using the words of Steve Humphrey and Brad Stith, ?the conservation of species and undamaged habitats is like a three-legged stool. Each leg is necessary but not sufficient. The legs of the conservation stool are sustainable use of natural resources, species recovery, and habitat preservation. Conservation can progress by focusing on each of these, defining their limits, developing improvements and preventing dysfunction.?

WHY TIGERS MATTER

As an apex predator, tigers are at the top of the food chain in an ecosystem. Therefore tiger populations are indicators of the health of the ecosystems in which they live. With tigers disappearing at alarming rates it is affecting all species within its ecosystem, including other endangered species. “With just one tiger, we protect around 25,000 acres of forest. To save tigers, we need to protect the forest habitats across Asia where they live. By saving biologically diverse places, we allow tigers to roam and protect the many other endangered species that live there” (WWF).?By maintaning healthy ecosystems for tigers and other species we are protecting natural resources for people as well.

“Tigers can directly help some of the world?s poorest communities. Where tigers exist, tourists go. And where tourists go, money can be made by communities with few alternatives for income. Tiger conservation projects also help provide alternative livelihoods for rural communities that are not only more sustainable, but can raise income levels too.” (WWF)

WHAT EFFORTS ARE BEING MADE TO TIGER CONSERVATION?

Many programs and people are dedicated to conserving tigers. In the field, people are being trained to protect key wild populations of tigers from poachers. Locals to the areas containing wild tiger populations are being educated to the importance of tigers and how to live within proximity of these animals. This helps farmers and local communities learn better skills to prevent predation on their livestock without killing the tigers. Preserving the tiger?s habitat is the most integral piece of tiger conservation. This includes preserving the prey living within the habitat, allowing the tigers a habitat not inhabited by people to prevent tiger-human conflict, and ensuring the tigers will have a home for the future. Tiger conservation occurs out of the field as well with educational facilities like zoos and sanctuaries raising support and awareness about tiger conservation.

SaveTigersNow.org is a campaign to help double the amount of tigers in the wild by the next Year of the Tiger, 2022. Working politically and gaining public support, Save Tigers Now is trying to stop the poaching of tigers and destruction of their habitat. Leonardo DiCaprio is their lead supporter.

HELP WORLDWIDE

Report any big cat abuse and take pictures if you can.
Do not visit road side zoos, performing acts, or traveling tiger displays
Do not support places that allow you to have your photo taken with a big cat or pet them.
Write letters to your officials?- This site offers lots of sample letters to get started.
Click to Save Big Cat?s Habitats?? By clicking once daily you are helping make a donation to help save this endangered species. The website?s sponsors make a donation for every click received daily.
Do not support the breeding of white tigers. White tigers are inbred and suffer from many health issues.
Help end the big cat crisis by supporting the Big Cat and Public Safety Act, which bans the private possession of big cats.
Educate others about the plight of tigers in the wild and captivity.
Choose animal free entertainment and circuses.
Avoid buying any souvenirs made from animal parts.
Be informed and inform! The more people who are educated about tiger conservation the greater chance the tigers have.

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