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International Tiger Day 2024, Theme of World Tiger Day, 29th July

PWOnlyIAS July 29, 2024 12:16 4643 0

International Tiger Day is celebrated globally to raise awareness and protect tigers. Join us on International Tiger Day 2024 to support tiger conservation efforts. The theme for International Tigers Day is - Call for Action.

International Tiger Day 2024, Theme of World Tiger Day, 29th July

International Tiger Day: 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. Let us know more about the significance, history, and theme of International Tiger Day 2024.

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, observed on July 29, aims to raise global awareness about tiger conservation and the threats these endangered animals face. Established in 2010, the day promotes efforts to protect tigers, celebrates their role in ecosystems, and inspires collective action for their survival.

This year’s theme for International Tigers Day is – Call for Action

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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:

  1. India
  2. Bangladesh
  3. Bhutan
  4. Nepal
  5. Myanmar
  6. Thailand
  7. Malaysia
  8. Indonesia
  9. Laos
  10. Cambodia
  11. Vietnam
  12. China
  13. 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:

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Scientific Name Tiger, (Panthera tigris)
Conservation status
  • Endangered  (IUCN 3.1)
  • 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.

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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 ( India is now home to more than 70% of the world’s wild tiger population), marking an increase from 2,967 in 2018
    • Further data analysis using the latest statistical models for camera-trapped and non-camera-trapped tiger presence areas estimates the upper limit of the tiger population at 3,925, with an average number of 3,682 tigers, reflecting a commendable annual growth rate of 6.1%.
  • 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Also Read: Tiger Reserves In India 2024

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.

Way Forward 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.

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Conclusion

In Conclusion, International Tiger Day is an important event that highlights the motive of protecting tigers, one of the most iconic and endangered species on the planet. By understanding what is International Tiger Day, why is July 29th celebrated as Tiger Day, and taking initiatives for conservation efforts, we collectively can contribute to the survival of tiger populations. Mark the calendars for International Tiger Day 2024 and join this global movement. Together, we can make a difference and roar back for the tigers.

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International Tiger Day FAQs

International Tiger Day is a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the conservation of tigers. It aims to protect tigers' natural habitats and promote efforts to prevent their extinction.

International Tiger Day is celebrated on July 29th every year. This day was chosen to highlight the importance of tiger conservation worldwide and to encourage global support for the cause.

International Tiger Day started in 2010. The initiative was launched at the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit to draw attention to the declining tiger populations and the urgent need for conservation efforts.

July 29th is celebrated as International Tiger Day to celebrate the agreement signed by 13 tiger range countries during the Saint Petersburg Summit in 2010. This agreement aimed to double the tiger population by 2022 and raise awareness about their endangered status.

The theme for International Tigers Day is - Call for Action.
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