International Tiger Day is observed on July 29 every year to raise awareness about the endangered tiger species. This day serves as a global platform to promote efforts in safeguarding tigers and their natural habitats, while also fostering peaceful coexistence between humans and these majestic creatures.
Origins and Global Commitment
The origins of International Tiger Day can be traced back to the 2010 Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit in Russia, where several countries, including India, Russia, and China, pledged to protect tigers. Thirteen tiger range countries formed Tx2, a commitment to double the tiger population by 2022, aligning with the Chinese Year of the Tiger. Since then, this significant day has been commemorated annually to garner worldwide support for tiger conservation.
The Importance of International Tiger Day
International Tiger Day plays a vital role in raising awareness about the critical issues surrounding tiger conservation. Tigers, classified as endangered in various regions, face serious threats to their survival, such as habitat loss and poaching. This day is essential in advocating for tiger protection, and here are ten key reasons why.
Tiger Population: Cause for Celebration and Concern
With 3,167 tigers as per the 2022 tiger census, constituting about 75% of the global tiger population, there is both cause for celebration and concern. The once elusive bright orange fur and distinctive low rumbling roar are no longer as rare. The success of Project Tiger, initiated 50 years ago in 1973 when the count was just 268, is a remarkable conservation story.
Pictured here is an exquisite tiger. #InternationalTigerDay#DidYouKnow: Tigers are the world’s largest wild cats! Weighing up to 363 kg and measuring up to 3.3 meters, this animal does truly belong to the Big Cat family.#Repost from Instagram | Camilla Malvestiti 📸 pic.twitter.com/6gJVfYTfQo
— Nat Geo India (@NatGeoIndia) July 29, 2023
Balancing Development and Ecology
However, the rising tiger population has also brought attention to the development versus ecology debate. Experts express concern over increasing human interference in wildlife corridors, dwindling prey density, declining forest cover quality, and policy changes, which could offset the conservation gains.
Challenges to Tiger Conservation
In recent years, there have been concerns about a potential dilution of the legal framework for conservation. Proposed amendments to the Forest Conservation Act, of 1980, and the implementation of development projects in protected areas, mining in tiger habitats, and projects like the Ken Betwa River link in Panna tiger reserve have raised alarms among conservationists.
Government Efforts and Rehabilitation
To increase tiger conservation efforts and rehabilitate tribal communities, the government incentivized relocation under the Wildlife Protection Act, 2006 amendment. Families within the core areas of tiger reserves were provided a monetary package for relocation, with an increased amount over the years. The successful relocation of thousands of families has been documented in the ’50 Years of Project Tiger’ report.
