A Bengal tiger in Ranthambore National Park, India
Tigers once roamed a broad territory across Asia, eastern Russia, and various islands of the Indian Ocean. Over the past century, hunting and habitat loss have reduced their range by more than 90 percent and have severely diminished the massive cats’ populations. Hundreds of thousands of tigers roamed in the wild 100 years ago, but a 2016 count estimated fewer than 4,000 wild tigers remained.
Conservation programs, such as the careful monitoring of native Bengal tigers in India’s Ranthambore National Park, have helped stabilize the population of this species for now. But tigers are still listed as endangered, which is why we’re observing International Tiger Day today. The observance is part of the continued effort to raise awareness and prompt action to ensure the survival of these charismatic creatures.
Washington Square Park, New York City