tigers in the spotlight
"Watching "Tiger King" reminded me of the wealth of misinformation out there about tigers; I want to speak to the cruelties and challenges facing captive tigers and to the complex ways their fate affects wild tigers.”-Emily Schnall
Why Are Tigers Important?
Tigers are a keystone species vital to the health of their ecosystems.
They provide ecosystem services like protecting farms from herbivores and small predators.
When we protect tiger habitat, we preserve it for all resident species.
The tiger is a beloved icon that draws in significant support and funding for conservation efforts every year.
Tigers hold great sentimental significance to cultures all over the world.
Ecotourism to see wild tigers brings income to some of the world’s poorest communities
what are the challenges facing tigers?
Wild tigers are poached for sale (bones, claws) as traditional Chinese medicine rugs, and other products.
Captive tigers are also often sold for parts and to the canned hunting industry.
Habitat Loss + Climate Change
Conflict between wild tigers and farmers.
what can WE do to help?
STUDY tigers
A good overview of challenges facing big cats + info about The Big Cat Public Safety Act [link]
Further reading about how captive tiger breeding connects to global wildlife trafficking [link] and [link]
Further reading about wild tiger poaching [link]
Further reading about white tigers [link]
Academic reading about habitat fragmentation [link]
Protect tigers
Form to write your Member of Congress about the Big Cat Public Safety Act [link]
Don’t give your business to cub petting operations or roadside zoos; encourage others to do the same.
Be careful when supporting tiger sanctuaries and rescues, do your research to make sure they’re reputable.
Never support any operation that breeds or showcases white tigers.
Don’t go to ’tiger temples’ or other pseudo-conservation scams when traveling abroad.
Support measures to protect tiger habitat.
Another well rounded overview of challenges facing tigers and a great organization to support, Panthera [link]
Project CAT is an effort to protect tiger habitat [link]
CELEBRATE TIGERS
Teach your children about how these magnificent animals live in the wild and how beautiful they are in their natural environment.
There are many children’s books to choose from.
Consider a tiger-themed T-shirt like this one by artist Sarah Samways [link]