New Delhi: World Tiger Day, also known as International Tiger Day or Global Tiger Day, is a global call to action celebrated every year on July 29. It aims to unite people worldwide to raise awareness about tigers’ grave dangers. The day underscores the global significance of tiger conservation and the urgent need for collective action to address these majestic animals’ threats, such as habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching. In this article, let us understand why International Tiger Day was started and its global importance.
International Tiger Day 2024: Why is it important?
On the occasion of International Tiger Day, established in 2010 at the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit in Russia in response to the shocking 97 per cent decline in the tiger population, the global community comes together to advocate for protecting tigers’ natural habitats. This day is recognised and supported by prominent international organisations such as the World Wide Fund for Nature, the International Fund for Animal Welfare, and the Smithsonian Institution.
The main objective of International Tiger Day is to rally collective action to safeguard the survival of tigers in the wild, addressing threats such as poaching, habitat loss, human-tiger conflict, and illegal wildlife trade. This mission is pursued through various methods, including educational programs, media campaigns, and conservation activities, all geared towards raising awareness and inspiring action at a global level.
Project Tiger, initiated in India in 1973, was a pioneering effort to ensure the preservation of tigers. It initially started with nine tiger reserves. Over the years, the coverage of the Tiger Project has expanded significantly, demonstrating progress in tiger conservation efforts.
Recognising the situation’s urgency, the governments of the 13 range countries have set an ambitious goal to double the number of wild tigers. Despite these efforts, the tiger population is still classified as “endangered”, having suffered a 93 per cent reduction in its natural range and a drastic decline in numbers from 100,000 a century ago. Poaching and habitat destruction remain major threats to their existence.
The significance of observing World Tiger Day is magnified when considering that, according to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), only 3,900 wild tigers remain worldwide. In the present year, stakeholders are diligently focusing on combating wildlife crime, expanding protected areas, promoting sustainable livelihoods for local communities, and fostering greater awareness about the challenges faced by tigers.
International Tiger Day serves as a crucial platform to advocate for the protection of these magnificent creatures and mobilise support for the conservation efforts necessary to secure their future in the wild.
Tiger Conservation
Why there has been a need to conserve tigers? The tiger is an iconic and essential symbol of nature, holding cultural significance for millions of people worldwide. In recent decades, there has been a significant increase in our understanding of the benefits provided by tiger habitats. Extensive research highlights that we can protect many other species and ecosystems by safeguarding the natural landscapes where tigers live. Let us look at why tigers are important.
Source: PIB
For a better ecosystem
Tiger landscapes are crucial in providing a wide range of ecosystem services extending beyond the tiger’s habitat. Hundreds of millions of people rely on water from tiger reserves, and these protected areas also serve as a buffer against natural disasters such as flooding, tidal surges, and landslides.
Biodiversity
When we focus on tiger conservation, we also indirectly protect other endangered species, such as Asian elephants and greater one-horned rhinos. This is especially important in a politically diverse region, as tiger conservation efforts can lead to collaborative initiatives across borders to address environmental issues, ultimately benefiting the region’s overall biodiversity.
Economic benefits
It’s important to remember that well-managed tiger landscapes are crucial for Indigenous Peoples and local communities because they offer access to natural resources. On a national level, tiger landscapes play a significant role in economies, contributing directly through ecotourism and job creation and indirectly by providing essential ecosystem services. This underscores the cultural and economic importance of these landscapes.
Source: PIB
Culturally important
Tigers hold significant cultural significance worldwide, nationally, and locally, particularly among various Indigenous Peoples and local communities. These communities often reside close to tiger habitats, and the conservation of tigers can contribute to preserving their traditional cultures.
International Tiger Day is observed on July 29 every year to raise awareness about the grave danger to the big cats and the urgent need to protect them. On Global Tiger Day, let us look at why the day is important and why tigers are also important. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
