Global Tiger Numbers Rise Southeast Asia Faces Habitat Threats

 

Why in News?

Tiger population numbers from 2010-2022 were submitted to Global Tiger Recovery Program (GTRP) and Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) under GTRP 2.0, aiming for tiger conservation from 2023-2034.

• The 2010 St Petersburg Declaration committed 13 tiger range countries to reverse the species' decline and double their numbers by 2022.

Status of Tiger Conservation in World?

1. Wild tiger status is good in South Asia and Russia, but Southeast Asia faces challenges in global tiger population recovery.
2. The tiger population has grown by 60%, reaching 5,870.

• Tiger populations in Southeast Asian Tiger Range Countries (TRCs) are declining, with countries like Bhutan, Myanmar, Cambodia, Lao-PDR, and Vietnam experiencing a "grim" situation.

3. Effective habitat conservation and protection measures have contributed to the success of countries in South Asia, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, China, and Russia in North East Asia.

• In 2022, India's wild tiger population stood at 3,167, while Nepal has tripled its population.

Global Tiger Recovery Program 2.0 (2023-34)

1. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Royal Government of Bhutan released GTRP 2.0 at Thimphu on International Tiger Day,29 July,2023.

• The World Bank initiated GTRP in 2010 under the Global Tiger Initiative (GTI) to double wild tiger populations by 2022, with Tiger Range Countries (TRCs) committing to its implementation.

2. The Global Tiger Forum (GTF) was established as the primary implementation arm for the tiger agenda.
3. Tiger range countries have formed GTRP 2.0 through the Global Tiger Forum's intergovernmental platform, collaborating with organizations like the Worldwide Fund for Nature.

• GTRP 2.0 focuses on enhancing tiger governance, resource allocation, and protection, while addressing contemporary issues like Human-Wildlife Conflict.

4. The updated version incorporates both existing and new actions to adopt a more comprehensive approach to safeguarding endangered wild tigers.

Threads to the Tiger Population in the World

1. Prey and Tiger Poaching: The region faces challenges due to widespread prey and tiger poaching, inadequate patrolling, poor wildlife monitoring, forest loss, proximity to trade hubs, and rapid infrastructure development.
2. Low Investment in Wildlife Conservation: The decline in tiger populations can be attributed to inadequate monitoring and insufficient investment in wildlife conservation.
3. Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: Tiger conservation is threatened by habitat loss, fragmentation, and biodiversity depletion due to anthropogenic factors.

• The report highlights the significant loss of forests across their ranges, particularly in Southeast Asia, as a rapid decline factor.

4. Degradation of Tiger Habitat: Tiger habitat degradation due to deforestation, infrastructure development, and illegal logging is highlighted in a report, emphasizing the need for prey population augmentation in certain areas.

Suggestions Given by the Report

1. Need of Genetically Viable Tiger Population: The report emphasized the need to address habitat loss, prey depletion, and tiger poaching to ensure a viable tiger population.

• The lack of action on tiger stressors could lead to the loss of a significant portion of the tiger population in Southeast Asia and parts of South Asia.

2. Address Human-environmental Stress in Tiger Landscapes:

The Tiger Conservation Landscapes (TCL) should be viewed from the perspective of an ongoing human-environmental stress continuum.

• Human-induced modifications in TCLs, including agro-pastoral practices, affect welfare factors for wild herbivores, affecting their abundance, including the tiger.

3. Need a Robust Policy Action: The dire situation necessitates a robust policy framework, as the population's long-term resource availability has increased by 60%, reaching 5,870 individuals.

• The report underscores the severe threats and challenges faced by tigers, particularly in Southeast Asia, which is currently facing a dire situation.

Initiatives Taken for Tiger Conservation

1. At Global Stage:

• St. Petersburg Declaration on Tiger Conservation: This resolution was adopted In November 2010, by the leaders of 13 tiger range countries (TRCs) assembled at an International Tiger Forum in St. Petersburg, Russia

• 13 TRCs include Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

• The Global Tiger Recovery Program aims to increase wild tigers' population from 3,200 to over 7,000 by 2022.

2. Global Tiger Forum:

• The GTF, an intergovernmental international body based in New Delhi, India, is the only entity with members from all willing countries collaborating on a global Tiger protection campaign.
• The organization was established following the recommendations of an international symposium on Tiger Conservation held in New Delhi, India.
• Seven of the 13 tiger range countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Vietnam, are currently members of the Global Tiger Threat (GTF).

3. Global Tiger Initiative (GTI):

• GTI, launched in 2008 by the World Bank, GEF, Smithsonian Institution, Save the Tiger Fund, and International Tiger Coalition, represents over 40 non-government organizations.
• The Global Tiger Initiative (GTI), a global coalition of 13 tiger range countries, aims to save wild tigers from extinction through collaboration with governments, international organizations, and civil society.

4. In India:

• Project Tiger
• National Tiger Conservation Authority
• Tiger Census in India
• Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022

Conclusion

The global tiger population is increasing, but Southeast Asian tigers face challenges that require immediate attention and comprehensive conservation strategies.

 

 

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