Tiger Conservation

Could the tiger disappear?

Indonesia has an estimated 400-500 tigers left in the wild in Sumatra. The Java and Bali tigers have both gone extinct due largely to illegal killing for trade and loss of habitat.
© WWF-Canon / Frédy Mercay

The tiger is on the verge of extinction today. Just 100 years ago, India alone had an estimated tiger population of 40,000. The total number of tigers in India is now probably less than 3,000, while the world tiger population is said to be between 5,000 and 7,000.

The tiger has been poached, hunted and driven out of its habitat by human beings who have been encroaching on the tiger's habitat. A comprehensive scientific study of tiger habitats found that the big cats reside in 40% less habitat than they were thought to a 10 years ago. Tigers now occupy just 7% of their historic range.

Hunted by humans
In the early days, hunting tigers was a sport. Indian royalty would hunt several tigers in a single day! Today tigers are poached for their bones and skins: there is a high demand for tiger parts, especially the bones, in traditional Chinese medicine.

Tiger conservation is one of WWF’s main priorities. WWF played a major role in getting Project Tiger started in India. The Project was launched in 1973 by the Indian Government. India is now involved in a massive conservation effort covering over 30 national parks and sanctuaries. Elsewhere, WWF is supporting national parks in Russia and Indonesia which are home to tigers.

Recognizing that viable tiger populations may not survive much longer in the wild, WWF has launched several emergency and long term projects, including those aimed at halting the illegal trade in tiger skin and bones.

Tiger Conservation

Could the tiger disappear?

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The tiger is on the verge of extinction today. Just 100 years ago, India alone had an estimated tiger population of 40,000. The total number of tigers in India is now probably less than 3,000, while the world tiger population is said to be between 5,000 and 7,000.