The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Global Tiger Forum (GTF) on 10 April 2016 announced that after a century of constant decline, global wild tiger populations have increased.
According to the most recent data, around 3890 tigers now exist in the wild, which is up by 22 percent from an estimated 3200 in 2010.
This rise in the number of tigers can be attributed to increase in tiger population in tiger survey countries, namely India, Russia, Nepal, and Bhutan and enhanced protection of the specie through use of latest technology.
Further, the support of government of different countries, law enforcement agencies, and local communities to WWF in its advocacy of zero tolerance for tiger poaching across Asia also led to increase in tiger population.
Doubling the tiger population by 2022
Governments of countries with tiger populations came together in 2010 in Russia to pledge the goal of doubling wild tiger numbers by 2022.
Although the target of doubling their population is not achieved but to make sure that the goal is achieved at time, these countries have planned to meet again in April 2016 to report on their progress and commit to next steps to help tigers to rebound.
The 3rd Asia Ministerial Conference on Tiger Conservation takes off on 12 April 2016 in New Delhi. The conference will see participation of more than 700 tiger experts, scientists, managers, donors and other stakeholders from all Tiger Range Countries. During the conference they will discuss issues related to tiger conservation and anti poaching strategies during three-day event.
Tiger population in different countries
• India: 2226
• Russia: 433
• Indonesia: 371
• Malaysia: 250
• Nepal: 198
• Thailand: 189
• Bangladesh: 106
• Bhutan: 103
Besides, tiger population is also found in countries like Myanmar, China and Laos PDR.
Comment and Analysis
Although, this increase in tiger population is welcome news for conservationists and wildlife lovers but the question arises on how to manage the pace of their growth.
The question is pertinent because in recent past we have seen death of at least 27 tigers in India itself of which 9 alone were recorded in Madhya Pradesh. On the other hand, 11 instances were recorded in which tiger bone and skin was seized from poachers.
In first 10 days of April 2016, at least three tiger deaths were recorded across Chandrapur (Maharashtra), Ranthambore (Rajasthan) and Bandhavgarh (Madhya Pradesh).
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