Say NO to dead tigers

The loss of six tigers earlier this year, though shocking, is just the latest in a string of tiger deaths due to poaching and trafficking. Photo: AFP

In 2009, the nation committed to double the number of wild tigers to 1,000 by 2020 under the National Tiger Action Plan, which spells out the measures needed to boost tiger numbers. With barely four years left to the deadline, we may have to concede defeat. Our tiger population has not grown, but dwindled.

When the plan was drawn up, it was thought that some 500 tigers still roam our forests. Many in the conservation circle found that to be a generous estimate and finally, in 2014, it was confirmed – we are down to our last 300 tigers.