Tiger Numbers On The Rise For The First Time In A Hundred Years

Global wild tiger populations are finally on the rise for the first time in a century. The most recent data showed that there are now around 3,890 tigers in the wild -- a significant increase in numbers since the estimated 3,200 in 2010.

This updated minimum number, which was compiled from national tiger surveys, showed rising tiger numbers in several countries including Russia, India, Nepal and Bhutan. Unfortunately, not the same can be said for the countries in China and Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar) where there are no formal tiger surveys, and where poaching and deforestation still continue, and numbers still on a decline. In Cambodia, the animals have been considered "functionally" extinct.

According to National Geographic, two-thirds of the world's tigers are in India, and there, the numbers went from 1,706 in 2010 to 2,226 in the past five years. Their efforts have been successful -- the country has stepped up their anti-poaching patrols and started offering compensation to farmers or villagers who have been injured or lost something or someone because of the giant cats. This is done as a preventative measure from retaliatory killings. On top of that, they also invested in tourism by making tiger reserves, a model that has been working well, considering that officials are talking about expanding the reserve system.

Ginette Hemley, senior vice president of wildlife conservation at the World Wildlife Fund said that the increase is a pivotal step in protecting and recovering one of the most iconic species on the planet. However, the fight for tiger conservation is far from over. He said, "Much more work and investment is needed if we are to reach our goal of doubling wild tiger numbers by 2022."

Since 2010, governments for countries with tiger populations have worked together, pledging the goal of doubling the population by 2022. In order to do so, tracking tiger populations and understanding the threats that they are facing is vital in protecting these iconic creatures.