Tiger conservation is a global concern, with different regions around the world experiencing varying levels of success. In the period from 2010-2022, countries submitted their tiger population numbers to the Global Tiger Recovery Program (GTRP) and United Nations Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Under GTRP 2.0, efforts are being made to pave the way for tiger conservation from 2023-2034.
The St Petersburg Declaration in 2010 saw commitment from 13 tiger range countries to reverse the decline of tiger populations and aim to double their numbers by 2022. South Asia and Russia report a good status of wild tigers, but Southeast Asia presents a grim picture. While there has been an overall increase in the tiger population by 60%, taking the total to 5,870, countries like Bhutan, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam report a decline in tiger populations.
Global Tiger Recovery Program 2.0 (2023-34)
The Global Tiger Recovery Program (GTRP) 2.0 was released in 2023, with the goal to double wild tiger populations by 2022. Originally launched by the World Bank in 2010 under the Global Tiger Initiative (GTI), the GTRP 2.0 emphasizes strengthening tiger governance, enhancing resources and protection, and addressing contemporary challenges like human-wildlife conflict.
Threats to the Tiger Population Globally
Major threats to tiger populations include poaching, habitat loss, fragmentation, poor wildlife monitoring, forest loss for commercial needs, proximity to wildlife trade hubs, and rapid infrastructure development. Low investment in wildlife conservation compounds these issues. The report stated that steps need to be taken to reverse these trends to maintain demographically and genetically viable tiger populations.
Suggestions Given by the Report
To address these issues, the report suggests viewing Tiger Conservation Landscapes (TCLs) from the perspective of ongoing human-environmental stress and taking measures to reverse trends of habitat loss, prey depletion, and tiger poaching. It also underlines the need for robust policy frameworks supported by political will for long-term resource availability.
Initiatives Taken for Tiger Conservation
A number of initiatives at both global and national levels aim to address threats to tiger conservation. These include the St. Petersburg Declaration on Tiger Conservation, the Global Tiger Forum, and the Global Tiger Initiative, all of which involve multiple nations working together to save the species. In India, specific initiatives like Project Tiger, National Tiger Conservation Authority, and the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022 have been implemented.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain, especially for tigers in Southeast Asia. Therefore, it’s crucial that nations continue to collaborate effectively, implement robust policies, and ensure sustained resources in order to safeguard the tiger population worldwide.