Over 2,000 tigers are hunted and illegally trafficked in this century

A recent report has found that over 2,300 tigers have been hunted, killed and illegally trafficked in the past century. The said report was published on Tuesday in an effort to push for wildlife conservation and to protect the endangered tigers.

Wildlife trade experts from Traffic presented their report in a global summit for the International Trade in Endangered Species Convention. The delegates, composed of 183 countries, are calling for stronger wildlife preservation action.

Figures in the report showed that 120 tigers are confiscated from illegal traffickers each year, meaning two are confiscated every week since the year 2000.

The report’s author Kanitha Krishnasamy who is also head of Traffic operations in Southeast Asia sounded the alarm on the deeply troubling numbers shown in the report.
“It looks like we are losing this fight,” AFP quotes Krishnasamy.

In the 1900s, the count for tigers is estimated to be over 100,000. This number drastically decreased over the years with a record low of 3,200 tigers estimated globally in the year 2010. While tiger population numbers have gradually increased since 2010, only less than 3,900 are recorded in the wild.

“This pernicious trafficking, evidenced by the continuously high number of whole skins, whole animals — both dead and alive — and bones is a testament to the ongoing demand for Tiger parts,” Krishnasamy reportedly said regarding the issue.

Tigers are illegally trafficked as collectibles and for medicinal reasons that don’t have enough research to be substantiated. Krishnasamy declares that discussion over tiger population decline should move forward to action before it’s too late.

Danny Manly
Danny Manly
Danny is a reporter and news columnist for Best in Australia. He covers world news the latest world news headlines and international news including US News and Europe, Middle East News.
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