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EPIB Trail
Volume 7, Issue 4
Recovery from the Brink of Extinction By Melissa Mertz
A breed of ferocious big cat is making a fierce recovery as populations of wild tigers in India have increased by 30% since the last population count released in 2011 (CNN). The National Tiger Conservation Authority released the census, stating that 2,226 tigers were recorded in forests across the country, up from 1,706 counted in 2010 (NBC). This is a huge step for the progression of conservation of these endangered animals, which were close to extinction not too many years ago. India is home to about 70% of the tiger population, so their conservation efforts have been particularly vital to the total conservation of the tiger population. India’s strategy has revolved around the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972. Since the mid-1970s, 102 national parks, 515 wildlife sanctuaries, 44 conservation reserves, and 4 community reserves have been set aside for tiger protection because of the regulations of NTCAWA. In these particular locations especially, tiger density has increased. (WPSI) However, the fight has not yet been won. Poaching is still a massive issue and the largest threat to the tiger population. Very few of these conservation areas have any armed protection or intelligence network against poachers. Forest guards are vulnerable against poachers and there have been recent cases of assault and murder of forest guards. (WPSI) The tiger is still highly sought after for its body parts, and illegal trade runs rampant through India, China, Vietnam, Thailand, and almost every area where tigers breed naturally. The trade is very complex and sophisticated, which makes it difficult to track and contain. (CNN) Although the number of tigers is increasing in India, it is still falling in total (NBC). Tigers are worth more than their beautiful fur and economic value. We have to protect tigers because they are a vital aspect of the ecosystem. Tiger populations are indicators—they represent the health of the forest around them. They show conservation efforts for more than just the tiger itself. These efforts are interconnected and forests are necessary for water sources and climate change mitigation. (CNN) Environmental agencies and individuals alike are excited about the positive news for these tigers in India. It is a rare occurrence for any species to be pulled out of endangerment. On the other hand, this amplifies how essential it is to pursue more extensive conservation efforts in order to maintain an upward slope of population growth. Poaching for tiger furs needs to diminish—besides, animal print is so passé. http://www.wpsi-india.org/tiger/tiger_status.php http://www.nbcnews.com/science/environment/tiger-population-leaps-30-percent-india-study-finds-n289991 http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/20/asia/tiger-population-india/
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