Saving the Tiger

[Guinnessman1974]

Can the Tiger really be saved from extinction, when there is such a conflict between human and these amazing creatures?

Can we live side by side - or as humans dominate the forest habitat where the Tigers live in Russia and Asia ever more, is it just a matter of time before they are confined to zoos and nature parks?

BBC - Earth News - Tiger team marks 20 years of conflict resolution

[maccyd82]

An interesting article. The team certainly seems like its doing a good job and it appears that there is a real need for them. Hopefully they have funding to continue their work for as long as possible.

Im not sure of the human population densities in this region but 11 injuries in 10 years seems low (i imagine there are more injuries caused in the UK in one year by people tripping over their socks, and yet we dont have a sock safety team), however when youre dealing with an endangered species, as it says in the article every individual counts, and the need for education to avoid persecution is a must.

These areas are so vast and remote I imagine there are more of them out there than we think. There was a BBC nature/adventure series of 3 programs with steve backshall on recently which I think identified that tigers lived at much higher altitudes than was previously thought and so opened up further vast areas of suitable habitat where they could be. Shame, I cant think of the name of the programme now, it was really good though.

[counterlady]

I personally dont feel that Tigers will survive in their natural habitat- the areas may be vast but they are continually reducing. Unless someone puts a complete ban on destroying their habitat then I can only feel they will only be seen in zoos. I hate the thought of this as I am tiger crazy pictures everywhere. such a beautiful animal

[Guinnessman1974]

I agree with Counterlady.

Tigers are now confined to such small and isolated areas with small populations that eventually these areas, as man dominates and expands agricultural land further and further, there will be localised extinctions - which is already happening.

The other problem is that, in India for example, the commercial value of Tiger parts means that Tigers are seem to be worth more dead than alive.

[Guinnessman1974]

Another interesting resource on this topic:

The Big Question: Can India's tigers be saved or are they now doomed to disappear? - Nature, Environment - The Independent