Loss, fragmentation, and degradation of forests have been major factors in the decline of the tiger population.  Poaching also plays an increasingly damaging role as tigers have become more vulnerable. Habitat loss remains a grave danger for the tiger, particularly in Asia. In India, where there is a grave human population problem, people are always looking for more room which infringes on the tiger habitats. When people reside close to tigers, they transform the ecological system with cattle and crops and this in turn harms the tigers.
Poaching is arguably the biggest threat to the tigers. Tiger pelts are in demand for rugs, wall hangings and fur coats. Even medicines are made from the bones and other parts of the tiger. The demand for such medicines is high in China and also in India. It is interesting to know that most of the tiger based drugs are found only where there are Chinese communities. Poaching of tigers is also prevalent in places like Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos where anti-poaching laws are lenient. We can say that China has a growing demand for tigers and this needs to be sorted out as soon as possible.
The mating of tigers has also been a cause of concern. Recent surveys have revealed that there are not enough female tigers compared to their male counterparts. Such a situation will only add to the decrease of the tigers.
The tiger being our national animal deserves due attention. A total of just 1411 tigers is a grim fact and does not bode well for the continuation of the species. The government needs to go that extra mile besides initiating measures to increase their numbers. A strong political will is essential to curb the problem. Let the voice of the general public be heard. We being responsible citizens can definitely spread the awareness and send the message loud and clear, “SAVE THE TIGER” to the concerned authorities. Blogging, writing, sms-ing , let us stand united against poaching. Let us demand stricter punishment for poachers, because unless these poachers are handled with an iron fist the situation will not improve. With a little initiative, we can  preserve the tigers. The national animal should and must be protected. Act responsibly, act now.

Statewise tiger deaths: from January 1 to August 19, 2009
Source: Wildlife Protection Society of India.
Andhra Pradesh: 1 tiger poached, 1 skin seized
Assam: 6 tigers found dead, 1 found incapacitated
dies, 1 shot dead by forest dept., 1 tigress poached,
5 kg bones, 4 canines and other body parts seized
Goa: 1 tiger poached
Karnataka: 6 tigers found dead, 4 tiger
skins seized
Madhya Pradesh: 1 skin seized, 1 tigress poached,
10 tigers including 3 cubs found dead
Maharastra: 7 tigers including 3 cubs found dead.
Manipur: 2 skulls, 2 paws and 16 kg bones seized
Orissa: 1 tiger poached
Rajasthan: 1 tigress found dead
Tamil Nadu: 1 skin seized, 1 cub found dead
Uttar Pradesh: 2 tigers found dead, 1 tiger shot dead by forest dept., 30 kg bone seized
Uttarakhand: 6 tigers found dead, 1 skin and skeleton seized
W. Bengal: 1 tiger found dead, 2 skins and 1 skeleton seized

Mercy Barkakoty