International Tiger Day is celebrated every year on July 29 worldwide to rise awareness about the dwindling population of the tiger species. Now there are only about 4,000 tigers left in the world. Tigers are an endangered species and it is necessary for all of them to survive in order to maintain a balanced ecosystem.
When and where was this day created
The decision to create International Tiger Day started in 2010 during the international Tiger Summit held in St. Petersburg, Russia, which was dedicated to the conservation of the population of this wild animal. All 13 countries with tigers living outside captivity participated in this event. As a result, the Global Tiger Recovery Program was signed. According to this, the objective was to double the number of tigers.
According to the census done in 2010, the number of tigers in the world was only 3200. By 2020 this number had increased to 4500. In a report made by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) it is said that the number of tigers is increasing rapidly in India, Russia, Bhutan, China and Nepal.
How is International Tiger Day celebrated?
On July 29 many relevant events are organized in different countries such as thematic exhibitions, TV shows, visits to zoos, charity and educational programmes.
In Russia there is one more day dedicated to tigers - Tiger Day in the Far East, which is celebrated every year at the end of September.
International Tiger Day commemorates the announcement of the UN zero-tolerance policy on wildlife crime. It is also aimed to call upon the global community to be aware of the alarming situation and take steps to protect the animals and restore their habitats.
How many types of tigers are there?
There are only six species of tigers left in the world today. These six species are the Bengal Tiger, Amur (Siberian) Tiger, South China Tiger, Sumatran Tiger, Indonesian Tiger and Malayan Tiger.
The main reasons for the extinction of some species of tigers include uncontrolled illegal hunting, a reduction in the food base, global warming and deforestation.
Where are the most tigers found in the world?
It is known that 70 percent of all tigers in the world live in India. According to the latest figures, by 2023 the number of tigers in India had increased to 3,167. Notably, due to its elegance, strength, agility and immense power, the tiger has been glorified as the national animal of India.
Project Tiger was launched in 1973 in order to conserve tigers in India. Construction of new sanctuaries is going on in the country. In 1973 there were only 8 sanctuaries in the country, now its number has increased to 53.
10 fun and interesting facts about tigers
The tiger is considered to be a symbol of strength and militancy all around the world;
A tiger living in the wild nature can live up to 10 years and a tiger living in a zoo can live twice that;
The running speed of a tiger can be up to 65 kilometers per hour;
The tiger can climb trees;
Tigers are the largest wild cats in the world. They can weigh up to about 350 kg;
Tigers prefer to hunt at night;
The tiger is a nocturnal animal. Its ability to see at night or in the dark is 6 times that of humans;
The upper teeth of the tiger are 10 cm in length, which are equal to the fingers of humans;
In the wild tigers live alone almost all their lives. Males are next to females only during the mating season;
Tiger cubs quadruple in size within 1 month since birth.
Check out the incredible beauty of this big cat in our photo gallery!