World Tiger Day - Milestone: Number of Tigers in Thailand increases
Good news on World Tiger Day: In Thailand, the number of rare big cats is increasing, according to government figures. The authorities reported a recent increase in the wild population to between 179 and 223 animals. In the last census, it was estimated that there were approximately 148 to 189 individuals.
"This success in conservation is the result of decades-long efforts by the Thai government, NGOs, local partners, and communities," said WWF Thailand, referring to a "significant milestone." The Kingdom is the first country in Southeast Asia to have increased its tiger populations, the organization noted. "In other parts of the region, wild tiger populations are declining, and tigers have gone extinct in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam in the last 25 years," it added.
Sambar Deer as Prey Reintroduced
The WWF Germany wrote that Thailand has shown that positive changes are possible through continuous and coordinated efforts. "We are proud to have supported this path and will continue to intensify our efforts to ensure long-term tiger protection," said Axel Krumsiek, head of the Asia region.
Recently, a tigress was seen with two litters of cubs, demonstrating the effectiveness of conservation efforts. Camera traps documented three tiger cubs that grew up and eventually established their own territories. Only a few months later, the same tigress was spotted with new offspring.
Efforts against illegal tiger trade and poaching, as well as investments in nature conservation and national parks, have contributed to the recovery of the population. Over 100 Sambar Deer (Cervus unicolor) have been reintroduced into the habitats of big cats to create a prey population for them. The Sambar Deer are monitored after release using GPS collars and camera traps.
Poaching and Habitat Loss
World Tiger Day has been observed annually on July 29 since 2010. The goal is to draw attention to the threatened habitats of tigers and raise awareness for tiger protection. Tigers are primarily threatened by habitat loss and poaching. Populations still exist in Nepal, India, China, and Russia. The Indochinese Tiger (Panthera tigris corbetti), also known as the Indo-Chinese Tiger or the Hinterindian Tiger, lives in Thailand. It is listed as "endangered" on the IUCN Red List.
- The WWF in Cambodia expresses hope that Thailand's success in increasing its tiger population will inspire similar efforts in their country, where tigers have unfortunately gone extinct recently.
- In Bangkok, representatives from various environmental organizations gathered to discuss the latest findings in tiger conservation science, with a particular focus on the Indochinese Tiger's habitat in Southeast Asia.
- A group of dedicated hikers embarked on a journey through the dense forests of Laos, aiming to contribute to the monitoring and preservation of the remaining tiger habitats in the region's tier of ecosystems.
- Vietnam launched a new initiative to protect and reintroduce the Indochinese Tiger into its native habitat, leveraging the lessons learned from the successful tiger conservation efforts in neighboring Thailand.
- According to recent studies, the recovery of tiger populations in Thailand has significantly impacted the ecosystem's overall biodiversity, with key species like the Sambar Deer playing a crucial role in maintaining the balance of Nature.
- WWF International hailed the milestone achieved by Thailand in tiger conservation as a great accomplishment for global wildlife preservation and pledged to work closely with the Thai government to replicate the success in other Southeast Asian countries.
