Tiger Information and Resources
There are currently only around 3,900 tigers left in the wild. That's a 95% drop in tiger populations in the last century. Three tiger populations are already extinct, the Javan, the Bali, and the Caspian, while a fourth population, the South China tiger, is considered functionally extinct.
There are more tigers in captivity in the US than in the wild. Many of these tigers are kept in facilities that are unregulated by legislation. The tigers that are left in the wild face difficulties caused by humankind's expansion into their habitats. Light pollution, illegal trafficking of tiger parts on the black market, persecution by local human populations who are encroaching on tiger habitats, and overhunting of tiger prey by humans, threaten tigers' continued existence.
There are more tigers in captivity in the US than in the wild. Many of these tigers are kept in facilities that are unregulated by legislation. The tigers that are left in the wild face difficulties caused by humankind's expansion into their habitats. Light pollution, illegal trafficking of tiger parts on the black market, persecution by local human populations who are encroaching on tiger habitats, and overhunting of tiger prey by humans, threaten tigers' continued existence.
How can I help?
1. Practice Smart Shopping - Protect tiger habitats by purchasing products that don't come from the rain forests they live in. Did you know that toilet paper is increasingly being made out of trees cut from virgin forests, including the forests tigers live in? Toilet paper made from recycled paper products is a better alternative.
Palm oil is used in many of the products we buy. It can be found in vegetable oils and other food products, cosmetics, shampoos and bath products. This versatile oil comes from the tropical regions where tigers and other endangered wildlife species live. The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil certifies producers that use oils which are sustainably harvested. You can look for the RSPO label on your palm oil products.
Coffee is another product to choose carefully. Rain forests are cleared to make space for coffee production. Be aware of how and where your coffee is produced.
2. Talk About It - Tell others what you have learned. Encourage those around you to take an interest in where their products come from and how we as humans are using and abusing our natural resources.
3. Communicate with Your Representatives - Let lawmakers know that these issues are important to you. Check out the resources below related to the Big Cat Public Safety Act to find out how you can encourage your representatives to take action to prevent tigers and other big cats from being kept in unregulated captivity.
4. Adopt a Tiger - World Wildlife Fund allows you to symbolically adopt a tiger (and other endangered animals) as a fun way to contribute to wildlife conservation. Their adoption kits come with all kinds of tiger-related goodies. You can also shop the WWF catalog for great gifts for friends and family, including a variety of plushes, apparel, and other items.
5. Donate - Look for legitimate organizations that are working to protect tigers and other wildlife.
Please take a few moments to explore the links below to learn more about tigers and how you can help.
Please remember to always do your own research into an organization prior to making a donation or contacting representatives. These resources are intended to guide you as you educate yourself on tigers, the threats they face, and the actions you can take to help them. I, Kayleigha Zawacki, am not affiliated with any of these organizations, nor do I receive any type of kickback when donations are made.
Palm oil is used in many of the products we buy. It can be found in vegetable oils and other food products, cosmetics, shampoos and bath products. This versatile oil comes from the tropical regions where tigers and other endangered wildlife species live. The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil certifies producers that use oils which are sustainably harvested. You can look for the RSPO label on your palm oil products.
Coffee is another product to choose carefully. Rain forests are cleared to make space for coffee production. Be aware of how and where your coffee is produced.
2. Talk About It - Tell others what you have learned. Encourage those around you to take an interest in where their products come from and how we as humans are using and abusing our natural resources.
3. Communicate with Your Representatives - Let lawmakers know that these issues are important to you. Check out the resources below related to the Big Cat Public Safety Act to find out how you can encourage your representatives to take action to prevent tigers and other big cats from being kept in unregulated captivity.
4. Adopt a Tiger - World Wildlife Fund allows you to symbolically adopt a tiger (and other endangered animals) as a fun way to contribute to wildlife conservation. Their adoption kits come with all kinds of tiger-related goodies. You can also shop the WWF catalog for great gifts for friends and family, including a variety of plushes, apparel, and other items.
5. Donate - Look for legitimate organizations that are working to protect tigers and other wildlife.
Please take a few moments to explore the links below to learn more about tigers and how you can help.
Please remember to always do your own research into an organization prior to making a donation or contacting representatives. These resources are intended to guide you as you educate yourself on tigers, the threats they face, and the actions you can take to help them. I, Kayleigha Zawacki, am not affiliated with any of these organizations, nor do I receive any type of kickback when donations are made.
A Few Organizations Protecting Tigers (Listed Alphabetically)
Carolina Tiger Rescue - Carolina Tiger Rescue is a 501(c)3 nonprofit wildlife sanctuary whose mission is saving and protecting wild cats in captivity and in the wild.
Panthera Corporation - An organization devoted exclusively to protecting big cats.
WildAid - WildAid's mission is to end the illegal wildlife trade in our lifetimes. WildAid works to reduce the demand for illegal wildlife products, and to promote energy conservation, via global public awareness campaigns. WildAid also strives to create model field conservation programs and to strengthen marine protected areas around the world.
Wild Felid Advocacy Center - The Wild Felid Advocacy Center of Washington is a 501(c)3 non-profit, run by a volunteer Board of Directors, and has an active volunteer program to assist in most phases of operation. We are licensed and inspected regularly by the US Department of Agriculture under its Animal Welfare Act.
World Wildlife Fund - The World Wide Fund for Nature is an international non-governmental organization founded in 1961 that works in the field of wilderness preservation and the reduction of human impact on the environment.
Panthera Corporation - An organization devoted exclusively to protecting big cats.
WildAid - WildAid's mission is to end the illegal wildlife trade in our lifetimes. WildAid works to reduce the demand for illegal wildlife products, and to promote energy conservation, via global public awareness campaigns. WildAid also strives to create model field conservation programs and to strengthen marine protected areas around the world.
Wild Felid Advocacy Center - The Wild Felid Advocacy Center of Washington is a 501(c)3 non-profit, run by a volunteer Board of Directors, and has an active volunteer program to assist in most phases of operation. We are licensed and inspected regularly by the US Department of Agriculture under its Animal Welfare Act.
World Wildlife Fund - The World Wide Fund for Nature is an international non-governmental organization founded in 1961 that works in the field of wilderness preservation and the reduction of human impact on the environment.
Tiger Articles
The Guardian - More cats live in US backyards than in the wild. Is that a catastrophe?
National Geographic - Key facts that 'Tiger King' missed about captive tigers
BBC News - In pictures: International Tiger Day 2021
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services - The Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act
World Wildlife Fund - What can you do to save the tiger?
National Geographic - Key facts that 'Tiger King' missed about captive tigers
BBC News - In pictures: International Tiger Day 2021
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services - The Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act
World Wildlife Fund - What can you do to save the tiger?
The Big Cat Public Safety Act
Introduced by Mike Quigley (D-IL) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), this act seeks to place restrictions on private ownership of tigers and other big cats. Here are a few sites that discuss the act and offer information regarding how you can support it, if you so choose.
CBS News - This CBS News article from December 2020 discusses the Big Cat Public Safety Act and the issues it covers.
The Animal Welfare Institute - Learn more about the bill and how to support it.
World Wildlife Fund - WWF offers a template letter that you can send to your representative, as well as a list of the representatives currently supporting the bill.
CBS News - This CBS News article from December 2020 discusses the Big Cat Public Safety Act and the issues it covers.
The Animal Welfare Institute - Learn more about the bill and how to support it.
World Wildlife Fund - WWF offers a template letter that you can send to your representative, as well as a list of the representatives currently supporting the bill.