 |
| HSI/Teresa Telecky |
| In desperate need of protection. |
This past February, the government of India issued the results of a country-wide Tiger Estimation Survey which showed that only between 1,165 and 1,657 tigers exist in India today, down from estimates of 3,700 in 2002. This means that the number of tigers in the wild globally is only about 3,500. Most tigers still live in India, but dozens are killed there every year by poachers.
On June 9, in Washington DC, the World Bank will launch a Tiger Conservation Initiative, the latest global effort to save the world’s remaining wild tigers from extinction. Humane Society International and The Humane Society of the United States are members of the International Tiger Coalition, which is co-hosting the June 9 event. The Coalition is an alliance of 35 organizations around the world working together to stop tiger trade.
A First for the World Bank
The Initiative will involve the Bank's working with non-governmental organizations, scientists, institutions and governments to improve understanding of the threats to tigers and to develop effective conservation strategies. The Bank will also support protection of tigers from any form of exploitation; offer to host a 2010 "Year of the Tiger" Summit; and find new funding resources for tiger conservation.
 |
| HSI/Teresa Telecky |
| Tiger conservation must be a priority. |
The World Bank provides financial and technical assistance to developing countries around the world, providing low interest loans, interest-free credit and grants to developing countries for education, health, infrastructure, communications and other purposes. This is the first time the Bank has ever focused its considerable influence on saving a critically endangered species.
"We are very excited about the World Bank's becoming involved in tiger conservation," said Dr. Teresa Telecky, Director of Policy for Humane Society International. "We hope this will give a big boost to global efforts to save tigers from extinction."
Threats to Tigers
The greatest threats to tigers include:
- Loss of habitat and prey species
- Poaching to supply the illegal international trade in parts and products made from tigers
What You Can Do
