International Tiger Day 2024: 7 Threats Tigers Are Facing Today

1. Loss of Habitat: The destruction of tigers' natural habitat is one of the biggest issues they are now dealing with. Their environment has greatly decreased due to the quick development of agriculture, forest loss, and urbanisation. Tigers are forced to relocate to more dispersed and smaller areas where they must work harder to find food, breed, and care for their young as forests fall apart to make room for human development. (Image source: Canva)

2. Illegal Wildlife Trade and Poaching: Tigers are still seriously threatened by poaching. Because tigers are status symbols and precious resources in traditional medicine, poachers pursue and kill tigers with tremendous ruthlessness. Owing to the illicit wildlife trade, which thrives despite international prohibitions, tigers are in danger of going extinct. The total health and genetic variety of the population can be greatly impacted by the death of even a single tiger. (Image source: Pinterest/ Skyla Blowers)

3. Conflict between Animals and Humans: Conflicts between people and wildlife arise from the increasing encroachment of humans on tiger habitats brought about by population growth. Farmers sometimes kill tigers in retaliation for attacking their animals. These kinds of conflicts not only lower tiger populations but also tarnish local communities' favourable opinions of tigers, making conservation efforts more challenging. (Image source: Canva)

4. Global warming: Climate change threatens the long-term survival of tigers and their habitat. Changes in temperature and rainfall can affect the ecosystems on which tigers depend. For example, rising sea levels threaten the Sundarbans, a vital tiger habitat in India and Bangladesh. In addition, it may become more difficult for tigers to live if these modifications remain unchecked. (Image source: Canva)

5. Depletion of Prey: Tiger existence depends on a healthy population of prey species, such as deer and wild boar. Unfortunately, habitat destruction and overhunting are causing these prey species to decline. Famine and poor reproductive success during periods of low food availability pose further threats to tiger populations. (Image source: Canva)

6. Diversity in Genetics and Inbreeding: A major worry for tiny, isolated tiger populations is inbreeding. Inadequate genetic diversity can increase the likelihood of genetic disorders, reduced fertility, and health issues. Genetic diversity needs to be maintained for tigers to live long lives and be resilient to diseases and environmental changes. (Image source: Canva)

7. Weak Law Enforcement: In many regions, laws protecting tigers and their habitats are poorly enforced. Lack of resources and insufficient training for law enforcement officers allow poachers and illegal loggers to operate with impunity, undermining conservation efforts. (Image source: Canva)

Inputs by: Mr. Manav Khanduja, Director at Pugdundee Safaris (Image source: Canva)