Until the 20th century there were nine subspecies of tigers.
It is estimated they numbered over 100 000 in total worldwide.
Three tiger subspecies are now extinct. These are the Caspian, Javan and Balinese tigers.
It is feared the South China tiger is now extinct as they have not been seen for years.
All remaining tiger subspecies are critically endangered. These are the Bengal (or Indian), Indo Chinese, Malay, Sumatran and Siberian.
It is currently estimated that if you put ALL the tiger subspecies together, there are perhaps about 3200 tigers now surviving in the wild.
Hunting and destruction of habitat are the main reasons for their near extinction.
Tiger populations are all on the decline.
There should be an awareness program for the local people to educate them about the importance of these species. All the items made of tiger or elephant body parts should be banned.
ReplyDeleteThe wildlife parks should have defined and well constructed boundaries so there should be less chances of human contact with these animals. There should be strict laws against the poachers.
Funds should be collected from the whole global community to conserve these species. There should be economic incentives for the locals or the people who help with the conservation program.
Governments should fulfill the economic needs of their people as they are attracted towards illegal killing or hunting for money. There should be proper monitoring of the funds raised for the conservation of these endangered species so that they are used fairly for the protection programs of these species.
Students should take active part in the awareness programs. They can help the government or the non government organizations in their various protection programs.