International Tiger Day 2019: Significance, History, Shocking facts

‘Tiger’ is the spirit and king of the Indian forest. They are considered to be one of the most beautiful yet most ferocious animals. This contradiction may probably turn them to the most interesting creatures created by the divine. The natural history of the world has probably not known any animal more than this awesome and magnificent super cat. The world now supports only six sub-species or geographical variations where they already lost three of nine tiger sub-species. The tiger is the largest of the world’s big cats with its distinctive orange and black stripes and beautifully marked face. 

According to WWF, only 3,890 tigers are left in the world were with more than 2500 tigers, India is in the top of the list. Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a census report of tigers in India. The report titled ‘The Tiger Estimation Report 2018’ where the total reported number of tiger is 2967. It is has been found that in the last century 97% of all wild tigers had disappeared due to many factors including habitat loss, hunting, and poaching, climate change.   

International Tiger Day: History 

International Tiger Day was established in 2010 at Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit in Russia to raise awareness about the decline of wild tiger numbers, leaving them in the brink of extinction and to encourage the work of Tiger conservation. In the Summit, a declaration was made that Governments of tiger populated countries had vowed to double tiger population by 2020. 

Several events every year are organized by animal organizations like WWF, IFAW and the Smithsonian Institute. 

We can't deny the fact that tigers are the largest species of the cat family and also one of the most iconic animals on the planet. About a century ago, there may have been over 100,000 tigers that roam in the planet. 

It’s a matter of serious concern as the most iconic animals on the planet are on the way to extinction.

Let’s know some very shocking and ‘never heard’ facts about the Super Cat- 

• The newborn cubs can’t see anything. They can only follow the scent of their mother.

• Since they are born blind and aren’t as agile as fully grown tigers,

• Most of the newborn cubs died either of hunger or cold.

• Unlike domestic cats, this larger version of cats enjoys spending time in the water.

• Interestingly, Tigers love to swim for hours.

• Female tigers are stronger than male. They learned hunting since they were a cub

• They even have the ability to kill in the water.

• Most of the cat species have stripes on their fur as well as on their skin.

• The pattern of their stripes is similar to the fingerprints of human, as each pattern is unique.

• Surprisingly, tigers are one of the most humble species among animals.

• In the wild, male tigers allow the female and cubs to eat first.

However, human activities such as habitat loss, pollution, and poaching for illegal trade in tiger parts and products are driving tigers to extinction. Without a doubt, these illegal trade is the biggest and the most concerning threat for the tigers. We need to work as a unit against poaching, pollution, illegal trade and save more greenery on the earth to make this world a better place for this magnificent creature. Moreover, it puts a question on our humanity for the decreasing number of tigers. As humans are the one who is solely responsible for the crisis of this beautiful creature.   

Being Human, Save Humanity, Save Tiger & Save the world.