International Tiger Day 2024, History, Significance and Facts

International Tiger Day, also known as Global Tiger Day, is observed on 29 July every year. It was established to raise awareness about tiger conservation and to promote the protection of their natural habitats. Tigers are among the most iconic and endangered species on Earth, facing numerous threats such as habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.

The day serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving these majestic big cats and their ecosystems. Conservation efforts aim not only to safeguard tigers but also to protect biodiversity and maintain healthy ecosystems that benefit all species, including humans.

History of International Tiger Day

• Concern for Tiger Populations: The summit was convened in response to the alarming decline of wild tiger populations across their range countries. Tigers were facing severe threats such as habitat loss, poaching for their body parts (used in traditional medicine), and human-wildlife conflict.
• Global Commitment: At the summit, governments of tiger-range countries committed to a global initiative known as the Global Tiger Recovery Program (GTRP). The goal of the program was to double the number of wild tigers by 2022, compared to the population estimates in 2010.
• Establishment of International Tiger Day: As part of the efforts to raise awareness about tiger conservation and mobilize support for the GTRP, the participants declared July 29th as International Tiger Day. This date was chosen to coincide with the summit’s conclusion and to provide an annual opportunity to focus global attention on tiger conservation efforts.

Significance of International Tiger Day

• Awareness and Advocacy: International Tiger Day aims to increase public awareness about the plight of tigers and the importance of their conservation.
• Policy Advocacy: It encourages governments to strengthen policies and enforcement measures against poaching and illegal wildlife trade, as well as to protect and restore tiger habitats.
• Global Collaboration: The day fosters international cooperation among tiger-range countries, conservation organizations, and the public to work towards securing a future for wild tigers.

Interesting facts on Tigers

• The tigers are the largest wild cats in the world.
• Do you know that every tiger has unique stripes? Yes!  The stripes of any two tigers will never match with each other.
• Most of the tigers are nocturnal .
• All the tiger cubs are born blind and only half of the born cubs can survive.
• The saliva of the tigers is antiseptic. If they get hurt anywhere, they just lick the area.

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.

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.

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.

Important Takeaways for All Competitive Exams:

• World Wildlife Fund Headquarters: Gland, Switzerland
• World Wildlife Fund Founded: 29 April 1961
• World Wildlife Fund Director General: Kirsten Schuijt
• Total Number of Tiger Reserves in India: 54

Important Days in July 2024: Find More Important Days Here