International Tiger Day : It’s History & Importance

Tiger, one of the most iconic animals, is the largest species of cat family. In India tigers have always been associated with royalty and that’s why they are declared as our National Animal. Easily recognized by its reddish-orange coat with black stripes, these majestic species have a day dedicated to them.

International Tiger Day is celebrated on 29 July annually to promote the protection of natural habitat of tigers and to increase awareness about the conservation of tiger. International Tiger Day is also known as Global Tiger Day. The goal to celebrate this day is to aware people about the predicament of the tigers

Why 29^th July?

Back in 2010 on 29th July International Tiger Day was established at Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit in Russia. In the Summit, a declaration was made that Governments of tiger populated countries had vowed to double tiger population by 2022. 29th July serves as a reminder of agreement signed by the countries to protect the wild tigers who were at the brink of extinction.

The summit was called in response to the appalling news that over 95% of tiger population is lost, since the beginning of the 20th century. Thus, leaving these predators with the threat of extinction.

The aim of celebrating this day is to aware the mass regarding the threat the tigers are facing and how to put a halt to it, and expand their habitats. Many international organizations are involved in the day, including the WWF, the IFAW and the Smithsonian Institute.

The Importance of This Day

It is said where tigers thrive it is a sign that ecosystem is healthy. Many factors have caused the decrease in number of tigers. The biggest threat these animals face is the poaching and illegal trade industry. The demand for tiger bone, skin and other parts for making traditional Chinese medicine leads to poaching. Many people even use tiger skin as home decor. Humans and animals are competing for space. The increasing human population results in lesser forests; the forests are cleared for agriculture, industries and many reasons. This splinters their habitat, lowering chances of survival. All these factors have led to declining population of tigers.

Tigers are one of many species that are nearing extinction. Thus, the goal is to raise awareness and protect them from the exploitation. “Their survival is in our hands”- with this motive the day is celebrated worldwide. We need to conserve our National Animal; there is a reason the tigers are also known as “Umbrella Species”, as their conservation leads to conservation of other species.

Facts on Big Cats!

While the population of tiger is declining, these facts might want you to consider the importance of this day.

• Tigers are the largest cat species in the world, and the third-largest carnivore on land; only polar and brown bears are larger. Siberian tigers (the largest subspecies) weigh up to 660 pounds.
• Currently, tigers populate 13 countries where they roam naturally: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand, and Vietnam
• Unlike most big cats, tigers are powerful swimmers. Not only do they swim, but they also swim great distances to hunt or cross rivers. Young tigers often play in water and adults lounge in streams or lakes to stay cool during the heat of the day
• The average lifespan of a wild tiger is 10-15 years.
• Like other cats, tigers are carnivores, and they are essential to keep their range in an ecological balance. They prey on smaller animals that are herbivores, and so maintain a balance between the plant-eating animals and the vegetation on which they feed.

Conclusion

It is our responsibility to save tigers. Many efforts are on its way to double the tiger population by 2022. We as responsible citizens should lend a helping hand to the government. Stricter laws, both nationally and internationally have been implemented against poaching and illegal trading of tiger parts. As a result, there has been an increase in the number of tigers; but we still have a long way to go!!