International Tiger Day: 9 Facts to Celebrate these Magnificent Creatures

International Tiger Day

Every year, July 29 is celebrated as International Tiger Day. The main objective of this day is to create awareness about the importance of preserving the tiger population in the world and protecting their natural habitat. Once upon a time, the Indian forests were replete with wild tigers, but over the years, their population dwindled significantly, so much so that they were on the verge of extinction.  

According to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the wild tiger population worldwide dropped by more than 95% over the last 150 years. This was due to many reasons like poaching, climate change, increased tourism activities, loss of natural habitat, and spread of diseases among tigers.  

However, because of the continuous efforts by various governments and institutions to conserve tiger population and their natural habitat, their numbers are on the rise. Currently, the total population of tigers around the world is about 4500. The tiger population is stable and increasing in countries like India, Bhutan, Nepal, Russia and China. 

Interesting Facts About Tigers

As the world celebrates International Day of Tiger, we have compiled some amazing facts about tigers. 

• Tigers hold a critical position in the jungle’s food chain. They keep the environment healthy by maintaining a fine balance of the ecosystem. 
• If there are not enough tigers, the herbivore animals can overgraze and cause serious damage to the land and disrupt the overall environmental balance. 
• Tigers are one of the strongest and stealthiest predators on the land.  
• Another interesting and fun fact of tigers is that these large cats have soft pads under their toes, which help them walk silently while they are on the hunt.  
• According to the researchers from WWF (World Wildlife Fund), tigers can travel up to 19 kilometres at night during their nocturnal hunting routine. 
• The tigers typically hunt deer, wild boar, and wild buffaloes. Once the tiger hunts a large prey, it can satisfy its hunger for about 7-10 days.  
• A tiger has the loudest roar among all big cats, its roar can be heard from around 3 km away. 
• Some typical tiger habitats are tropical rainforests, evergreen forests, mangrove swamps, grasslands, and savannas. As forests shrink, tigers seek prey and territory outside protected areas, entering human-dominated regions and posing challenges due to livestock predation and livelihood impacts.

History of World Tiger Day 

World Tiger Day came into existence in 2010 during the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit held in Russia to encourage tiger conservation. During the summit, a declaration was issued to save tigers and all the tiger-populated countries in the world vowed to double the population of wild tigers by 2022.  

Since 2010, every year, many animal welfare-related organisations like WWF, Smithsonian Institute and IFAW, organise many events to celebrate the day and raise awareness to save tigers.  

How to celebrate International Day of Tiger? 

• Raise awareness 

Take the time to learn more about tigers, their habitats, and the challenges they face. Read books, and watch documentaries to deepen your understanding. Use social media platforms or personal networks to share interesting facts, statistics, and stories about tigers. Raise awareness by posting about the importance of tiger conservation and the threats they face. 

• Help raise funds for tiger charity  

Many international organisations use the World Tiger Day to raise funds from people to carry on their conservation efforts. If you resonate with the cause, you can donate funds for such charity organisations and encourage your friends and families to donate as well.  

• Support anti-poaching efforts 

Contribute to anti-poaching initiatives that work towards eliminating illegal wildlife trade and protecting tigers from poaching activities. These efforts are crucial in ensuring the survival of tiger populations. 

• Encourage responsible tourism 

When traveling, choose tiger reserves or wildlife sanctuaries that follow responsible tourism practices. Avoid supporting activities that exploit tigers or their habitats for entertainment purposes.

Importance of Tiger Reserves in India 

Recent tiger census data reveals a remarkable surge in India's tiger population. The latest figures indicate a substantial increase from the previous census conducted in 2006, which reported 1,411 tigers. The current data proudly showcases a thriving tiger population of 3,167 in India as of 2022. This significant rise positions India as the custodian of approximately 75% of the global tiger population. And, a lot of the credit for this goes to the tiger reserves in India that play a vital role in preserving the big cats in the forests. At present, there are 53 tiger reserves in India. These protected forests ensure that tigers are saved from illegal poaching, and trading activities.  

These tiger reserves also encourage tiger tourism and raise funds for the protection of the forests and the tigers. Some of the popular tiger reserves in India are the Sunderban in West Bengal, Kaziranga National Park in Assam, Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh, Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand, to name a few. 

Wildlife Parks in India for Tiger Sighting

There are numerous wildlife parks and tiger reserves across the country that offer thrilling opportunities to spot these majestic creatures in their natural habitat: 

• Jim Corbett National Park

Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, Jim Corbett National Park is India's oldest national park and a haven for Bengal tigers. The park's diverse topography, including dense forests, riverine belts, and grassy meadows, provides an excellent environment for tigers to thrive. Jeep safaris are popular here to explore the park and catch glimpses of these elusive predators.

Best place to stay near Jim Corbett National Park:

Club Mahindra Corbett Resort in Nainital 

• Kanha National Park

Located in Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park is known for its vast expanses of Sal forests and wide grassy meadows. Kanha is home to a significant tiger population, and its open grasslands make tiger sightings relatively easier. The park also has other wildlife species, such as leopards, sloth bears, and Indian wild dogs.

Best place to stay near Kanha National Park:

Club Mahindra Kanha Resort 

• Bandhavgarh National Park:

Situated in Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh is famous for having one of the highest densities of tigers in India. The park's dense forests, rolling hills, and open grasslands create an ideal habitat for tigers and other wildlife species. With the assistance of experienced guides, tourists have a high chance of spotting tigers during safaris in Bandhavgarh. 

• Tadoba Andheri Tiger Reserve:

Tadoba Andheri Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra is a lesser-known gem that offers a unique and intimate tiger spotting experience. With dense forests, serene lakes, and abundant prey, the reserve provides an ideal habitat for tigers. Jeep safaris allow tourists to explore the reserve's diverse flora and fauna while increasing the chances of tiger sightings.

These wildlife parks and tiger reserves in India not only offer thrilling opportunities to spot tigers but also play a crucial role in their conservation. By visiting these parks responsibly and supporting conservation efforts, you can contribute to the protection of these creatures and their habitats, ensuring their survival for future generations to admire and appreciate.