WWF Concern as Tigers Still Vulnerable to Poaching
WWF charity representatives have reported that up to a third of the world’s 63 legally protected tiger sanctuaries areas only just maintain their minimum protection requirements. At the 2010 ‘Tiger Summit’ in Russia, the Tiger Range Governments committed to doubling the number of wild tigers by 2022, but this looks a long way off if the designated refuges are not being run properly.
WWF’s assessed seven of the 12 countries where tiger conservation is ongoing, covering 84 locations, of which 63 were legally protected. The poaching for body parts for ornamental and medicinal usage is now the main factor in the drop in tiger numbers, with demand ever growing. With a meeting planned soon in New Delhi, this is a perfect opportunity to discuss plans to improve sites that are critical to the tigers survival and increase zero poaching action.
Leader of WWF’s Tigers Alive Initiative, Mike Baltzer, said –
Poaching is the most immediate threat to tigers and protected areas are the first line of defence against poaching. If this preliminary assessment reflects the full situation on-the-ground, then protected areas are not functioning as an effective safe haven for tigers. Without places tigers can be safer from poaching, there is no hope to meet the target of more than 6,000 tigers by 2022.
Here’s hoping that the new meeting in Delhi helps to bring the relevant parties together to help this beautiful creatures fight for survival. With poaching on the increase, now is the time to clamp down before it’s too late.
Adopt a Tiger with WWF UK
The WWF is a non profit organisation who can only sustain their tireless work in saving the planet and its inhabitants through donations. You can help raise funds through the WWF Adopt a Tiger scheme.
From as little as £3 a month you receive a certificate, a print of your animal, a greetings card, and a soft toy that would make a fantastic charity gift for a loved one.
