Context: International Tiger Day is a global level event which is dedicated to raising awareness about the conservation of tigers and the essential need to protect them and their natural habitats. 

• This specific day unites many people from across the border to protect and preserve these endangered species from the last stage of extinction. 

What is International Tiger Day 2024?

• International Tiger Day 2024, is celebrated on July 29th. It is a global event which is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of tiger conservation.

• This day reflects the endangered situation of tigers on the global level and promotes efforts to protect the natural habitat of tigers. International Tiger Day 2024 also focuses on the issues that are threatening the survival of tigers, including habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.

The Theme of International Tiger Day 2024

• International Tiger Day Theme 2024 is a noteworthy and key factor. Every year, International Tiger Day is celebrated with a unique theme that addresses current issues and equally promotes targeted conservation efforts. 

• For the year 2024, the International Tiger Day Theme 2024 has not been announced yet, but it is expected that it will focus on enhancing tiger habitats, addressing poaching, and promoting sustainable practices.

Historical Background and Significance

• International Tiger Day was first held in the year 2010 at the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit, where the governments of 13 tiger-populated countries had taken the pledge to double the number of wild tigers by 2022 through the Global Tiger Recovery Program (GTRP). This initiative is essential as the world has seen a drastic decrease in the population of tigers over the last century.

Tiger Range Countries

• These 13 tiger range countries are home to wild tigers. These 13 countries have agreed and decided to implement various conservation efforts to protect and increase their tiger populations. The tiger range countries are: India; Bangladesh; Bhutan; Nepal; Myanmar; Thailand; Malaysia; Indonesia; Laos; Cambodia; Vietnam; China and Russia

• These countries work together under initiatives such as the Global Tiger Recovery Program (GTRP) and the Global Tiger Forum (GTF) to share knowledge, resources, and strategies for effective tiger conservation.

About Tiger

• The largest and strongest member of the cat family is renowned as the ‘tiger’ known for its power, strength, and majesty. Tigers are the apex predators and play an important role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Here are some essential facts about tigers:

• Scientific Name: Tiger, (Panthera tigris)

• Conservation status:

1. Endangered  (IUCN 3.1)

2. CITES Appendix I (CITES)

• Subspecies:

• Bengal Tiger

• Indochinese Tiger

• Malayan Tiger

• Siberian Tiger

• South China Tiger

• Sumatran Tiger

• Tiger Population

• World: 5,574 tigers

• India: 3, 682 (India is now home to 75% of tigers in the world)

Tiger Population Growth and Distribution in Global and India

• The existence of tigers has been threatened over the past few decades because of human activities and significant challenges. The number of tigers from all over the world has been drastically reduced from about 100,000 in the early 20th century to just a few thousand today. Despite implementing conservation techniques, many tiger subspecies remain critically endangered, which reflects the need for global awareness towards tiger conservation efforts.

Global Population

• Wild Tiger Population: According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), there are approximately 3,900 tigers left on the global level. This number highlights a slight increase from the historical data, which was around 3,200 in 2010.

• Captive Tigers: There is an estimate that 8,000 tigers are still in captivity worldwide, about 5,000 in the United States only.

Project Tiger in India

• The Indian government launched the initiative, towards the motive of conserving the tiger population, this initiative was named “Project Tiger” in 1973. The government initiated this program to draw people’s attention to the declining stage of the tiger population and implement measures to safeguard their future.

• This project emphasizes habitat preservation, anti-poaching efforts, and community participation in conservation activities. This project aims to create an environment where tigers can survive, by setting up dedicated tiger reserves and deploying modern scientific management techniques.

Achievements of Project Tiger

• Tiger Reserves: Under this project, the establishment of 50 tiger reserves is done across India, covering over 72,749 square kilometres.

• Population Recovery: The population of tigers in India has increased due to the efforts under Project Tiger. From 1,411 tigers in 2006, the number rose to 2,967 in 2018.

Challenges and Future Goals

• Human-Wildlife Conflict: Consistent encroachment practices on tiger habitats by human populations lead to conflicts.

• Poaching and Illegal Trade: Threats from poaching and the illegal wildlife trade continue to endanger tiger populations.

• Habitat Fragmentation: Deforestation and urbanization led to fragmented habitats, which disrupt tiger populations and their prey.

Tiger Census

• The Tiger census is an analytical survey that is a necessary tool for assessing the health and status of tiger populations. This tool also helps in understanding tiger distribution and identifying conservation priorities. Regular access to the censuses helps track progress and inform policy decisions.

Methods Used in Tiger Census

• Camera Trapping: The method of camera trapping involves setting up motion-sensitive cameras in tiger habitats to get images of tigers and other wildlife.

• Pugmark Tracking: This is a manual method, wherein the tiger paw prints are Identified and recorded to estimate population sizes and movements.

• DNA Analysis: Collecting and analyzing DNA from tiger scat and other samples to identify individual tigers and understand genetic diversity.

Results of Recent Tiger Census

• Current Population: According to the year 2022, the population of tigers in India is  3,167, marking an increase from 2,967 in 2018. 

• Growth Rate: The growth rate of the tiger population in India was noticed at 6.7% from 2018 to 2022. This is a significant slowdown compared to the growth rate of around 33% during the 2014-2018 period. 

• Increase: The increase in the tiger population is noticed within the Shivalik Hills and Gangetic Plains. These regions have shown positive developments due to effective conservation measures, habitat restoration, and community involvement. The contrasting trends are observed in regions like Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana.

Tiger Conservation Efforts at Global and National Level

• The tiger conservation initiative is a global priority and requires efforts that aim at the decline of tiger populations. Both international and national governments are actively working to protect tigers and their habitats.

Global Efforts

• Global Tiger Recovery Program (GTRP): The GTRP Program was launched at the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit in 2010, it aims to double the tiger population by 2022 at the global level through various coordinated efforts across tiger range countries.

• World Wildlife Fund (WWF): WWF collaborates with governments and local communities so that they can implement effective conservation strategies, which solely focus on anti-poaching measures and habitat preservation.

• CITES: The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora regulates the trade of tiger parts and products to prevent illegal trafficking.

National Efforts

• India’s Project Tiger: Project Tiger is a broad initiative that aims to protect India’s tigers through habitat preservation and anti-poaching measures.

• Russia’s Amur Tiger Conservation: Russia has implemented strict laws for practices like anti-poaching and habitat restoration projects to protect the Siberian tiger population.

• Nepal’s Community-Based Conservation: Nepal’s local communities initiated conservation efforts, promoting sustainable practices that benefit tiger populations.

Challenges and Concerns Related to Tiger Conservation

• Despite these conservation efforts and significant progress, tiger conservation faces various challenges and concerns that need to be addressed:

• Poaching and Illegal Wildlife Trade: Poaching is one of the most extreme threats to tiger populations. Tigers are hunted down for their skin, bones, and other body parts, which are highly valuable in black markets and illegal selling.

• Habitat Destruction: Deforestation and habitat fragmentation because of agriculture, logging, and infrastructure development which led to the loss of these important tiger habitats. 

• Human-Wildlife Conflict: Due to the increase in human population, the encroachment of human settlements into tiger territories has been increased, leading to the conflicts.

• Climate Change: Climate change is an emerging threat to tiger conservation, which affects the habitats and prey availability.

Importance of International Tiger Day

• International Tiger Day plays an important role in reflecting the difficulty of tigers and global support for tiger conservation. This day acts as a reminder of the constant efforts to protect these endangered species and their habitats. Here are some key reasons why International Tiger Day is important:

• Awareness: By raising awareness about the various threats faced by tigers and the urgent need for tiger conservation.

• Action: Encouraging government bodies, welfare organizations, and individuals to take initiatives to protect tigers and their habitats.

• Education: Providing proper education to the general public about the ecological importance of tigers and their role in maintaining biodiversity.

• Collaboration: Encouraging collaboration among all 13 tiger range countries to implement effective conservation strategies.

Road Ahead to the Tiger Conservation

• The way forward towards tiger conservation involves strengthening anti-poaching measures, enhancing habitat protection, and involving local communities in conservation efforts. International cooperation between Tiger range countries and awareness campaigns are necessary for promoting global conservation strategies. Besides it, integrates climate adaptation strategies and sustainable development practices to ensure the long-term survival of tiger populations and their habitats.