International Tiger Day is celebrated annually on July 29. The tiger enjoys the reputation of being the largest of the world’s big cats. A tiger can be easily identified with its distinctive orange and black stripes on its face and body. International Tiger Day is celebrated across the globe so that all of us can raise awareness for tiger conservation. The day aims to build a worldwide system that will be dedicated to protecting tigers and their natural habitats. A safe and thriving habitat for tigers means that we conserve other species and our forests, too. Through International Tiger Day we can work for a future where humans and tigers can cohabit peacefully.
History of International Tiger Day
International Tiger Day was first celebrated in 2010 after it was found that 97% of all wild tigers had disappeared in the last century, with about only 3,000 of them remaining. It’s not news that tigers are on the brink of extinction and International World Tiger Day aims to halt the numbers from worsening. Habitat loss, climate change, hunting, and poaching are only some of the factors that are responsible for the decline in the tiger population. Along with the preservation of these species, the day also aims to protect and expand their habitats. Many international organizations such as the WWF, the IFAW, and the Smithsonian Institute also observe International Tiger Day.
With the loss of habitat and climate change, tigers are increasingly coming into conflict with humans. Poaching and the illegal trade industry is also a very serious threat that wild tigers face. Demand for tiger bone, skin, and other body parts is leading to increased cases of poaching and trafficking. This is resulting in localized extinctions, which has made the revival of the tiger population next to impossible. Another threat that has negatively impacted the tiger population is the loss of habitat. All across the world, we are witnessing a loss of tiger habitats due to access routes, human settlements, timber logging, plantations, and agriculture. In fact, only about 7% of the original tiger habitats are still intact today. Experts also worry that the lack of genetic diversity among tigers can lead to inbreeding in small populations. The ever-increasing habitat loss means that the conflicts between tigers and humans are on the rise. Tigers may wander into the human population which is worrying for people as well as these majestic cats.
International Tiger Day timeline
India launches Project Tiger to revive the tiger population.
13 tiger range countries commit to TX2 to double wild tiger numbers by 2022.
IUCN recognizes the continental tiger and the Sunda island tiger as tiger subspecies.
The WWF aims to double the number of wild tigers in 2022.
International Tiger Day FAQs
Why is International Tiger Day celebrated?
The International Tiger Day is celebrated on July 29 every year to raise awareness and support for tiger conservation issues
Which country has the most tigers?
India currently hosts the largest tiger population.
Which is the largest tiger reserve in India?
The Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve is the largest in India, with an area of 3,728 sq.
How to celebrate International Tiger Day
Raise awareness on the issue
Not everyone is aware of the threats that wild tigers face. You can raise awareness by sharing videos, infographics, and links to suitable content to get more people involved in the cause.
Adopt a tiger
Adopting a tiger can be a huge boost to the WWF and the work that it is doing. They help fund projects that work with local communities working to save tigers and also take strict actions against poaching and unlawful trading.
Raise funds for a tiger charity
You can donate to charities that work for the well-being of tigers. Carry your good work forward by using your social media presence to urge your friends to donate to similar charities as well.
5 Facts About Tigers That Will Blow Your Mind
A tiger’s roar is impressively loud
A tiger’s roar can be heard from two miles away.
They are quite fast too
Tigers can move at a speed of 40 mph.
They are the world’s largest cats
The average tiger weighs 800.278 pounds.
Hunting takes a while to learn
A cub can only hunt on its own after turning two or three.
India has the largest tiger population
Up to 70% of the world’s wild tiger population is in India.
Why we love International Tiger Day
It celebrates our diverse ecosystem
International Tiger Day aims to strike a delicate balance between humans and tigers. Since we are all dependent on each other in more ways than one, the day makes us realize that a healthy tiger population also means a well-balanced ecosystem.
It protects an endangered animal
Tigers are now an endangered species and we must all do our bit to protect these magnificent beasts. While conservation efforts are carried out all year long, International Tiger Day reminds us to get involved in the cause.
It celebrates the bond between tigers and humans
Despite the fact that humans are largely responsible for the dwindling tiger population, it is also true that there are a bunch of passionate wildlife enthusiasts who are trying their best to make the planet more habitable for the tigers — International Tiger Day also celebrates this unique bond.
International Tiger Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | July 29 | Monday |
| 2025 | July 29 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | July 29 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | July 29 | Thursday |
| 2028 | July 29 | Saturday |
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