The majestic ‘tiger’ is the largest member of the cat family. The tiger looks magnificent in its reddish orange shiny coat with black stripes. This National animal of India is sadly an endangered species. While the tiger himself is a predator, it hunts only when hungry unlike us humans, who find recreation out of taking away a life.
The tigers are said to have adapted to various types of environments, from cold nights (-40 Degree Celsius) to hot afternoons (40 Degree Celsius). They live comfortable in grasslands as well as rain forests. The tiger usually hunts at night, as they have binocular vision which helps them measure distance and depth accurately. It is said, that tigers rely on their vision and sense of hearing, rather than their sense of smell for hunting. They stalk their prey stealthily and take it down with one bite to the neck or the throat.
The tiger population was estimated at 100, 000 at the beginning of the 20th Century which slowly depleted to 5000 to 7500 and later to about 3200. This is alarming. People believe tiger tooth to have some talismanic value, and its skin is used as decorative. Strict laws have been made against poaching of tigers, but they are not very effective. Poaching is not the only reason for the decline in number of this wild cat, cutting down of forest to make way for buildings, factories, etc. are also equally responsible. If we cut down their habitat, they will not find prey and ultimately will hunt livestock or humans.
The Central Government of India launched ‘Project Tiger’ in the year 1973 to promote the conservation of the tiger.
Global Tiger Day is celebrated on July 29 to raise awareness about this beautiful species that is now endangered. This day was founded in the year 2010. The 13 tiger range countries collaborated to create Tx2, goal to globally double the wild tiger population by 2022.
Let us work and pray to achieve the same.