September is Save-A-Tiger Month!
At Community Conservation, we understand the importance of involving local communities in the protection of wildlife species, such as Asia’s tigers. This method has proven to be highly effective over the years.
Tigers inhabit 13 different countries across Asia, including Nepal, where we have witnessed an increase in tiger populations. In 2022, the Nepalese government shared exciting news: the current population of tigers in Nepal is 355, a significant increase from the 122 tigers recorded 15 years ago.
Despite the recent positive news, the global tiger population remains critically low. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, approximately only 4,500 tigers are living in the wild today, down from over 100,000 at the beginning of the 20th century. This represents an appalling 95% decline.
Protecting tigers is crucial, as is preserving their prey. Human-wildlife conflict incidents are on the rise due to habitat encroachment and fragmentation, leading tigers to prey on cattle and farm animals. In addition to retaliatory measures against tigers, poaching and wildlife trafficking are significant problems, as tiger parts are still in high demand in various parts of the world.
At Community Conservation, some of the efforts we’re making to help protect tigers include tracking tigers in Nepal. Our partner and tiger biologist, Sam Helle, conducted research in south central Nepal, primarily using camera traps, to determine whether tigers can travel between Bardia and Chitwan National Parks, two key areas for tiger conservation in Nepal. With this information, we can begin to work with community forest groups to create a community wildlife corridor, like we are doing in southeastern Nepal.
Community Conservation also works to protect tigers in Thailand in wildlife sanctuaries that support the largest tiger population in Southeast Asia. We collaborate with youth clubs and villagers from the Karen community, teaching them how to use camera traps as one method of observing and protecting wildlife in their vicinity. The Karen are a Southeast Asian ethnic group from Myanmar and Thailand who have their own distinct culture that appreciates and recognizes the importance of biodiversity.
As mentioned above, some of the biggest threats to tigers in places like Nepal and Thailand are poaching and habitat loss. When local groups monitor these areas, it becomes easier to understand the patterns and challenges that arise.
We are optimistic that tiger conservation in Asia is heading in the right direction. However, we also understand that we’re racing against time, deforestation, and wildlife poaching.
With your help, the training and involvement of Asian communities can help protect this majestic species for decades to come. It is possible to help tigers thrive, as we have seen in Nepal, but we need more funds to expand and sustain our efforts in this part of the world.
Let’s bring those numbers up! You can help by making an urgent donation today.
If you want to learn more about our current efforts in Asia, please visit our Thailand Tiger Project and our Nepal Tiger Project.