International Tiger Day: History, Theme, and Significance
On July 29th, International Tiger Day raises awareness about this magnificent but endangered big cat. Founded in 2010, the day celebrates the global goal of doubling the number of wild tigers by 2022, set by the 13 tiger range countries.
As we reach the halfway point of this ambitious goal, this year has been one of the most united and exciting Global Tiger Days yet. The #ThumbsUpForTigers campaign brought together WWF offices, organizations, celebrities, government officials, families, friends, and individuals around the globe to show tiger range countries that they are not alone in their conservation efforts.
History of International Tiger Day
International Tiger Day, observed annually on July 29th, is a significant event dedicated to raising awareness about tiger conservation and the challenges these majestic creatures face in the wild. The inception of International Tiger Day dates back to 2010, during the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit in Russia. This day was established as a global plea to protect the dwindling populations of wild tigers, which had seen a dramatic decline of 97% over the previous century.
The primary goal of International Tiger Day is to promote the protection of natural habitats for tigers and to support conservation efforts on a global scale. Since its establishment, the day has played a crucial role in increasing public awareness and fostering support for the cause of tiger conservation.
India, home to a significant portion of the world’s tiger population, has been at the forefront of these conservation efforts. The nation conducts a tiger census every four years, and the numbers have shown a promising rise from 1,411 in 2006 to 3,167 in 2023. This increase is a testament to the successful conservation initiatives undertaken within the country.
Read More: 29 July in Indian and World History
The Theme for International Tiger Day 2024
The Theme for International Tiger Day 2024ย is “Tigers: Roar for Conservation,” which underscores the urgency of global efforts and public involvement in securing a sustainable future for these majestic creatures. This theme serves as a rallying cry to amplify conservation efforts, ensuring that the voice of tigers is heard loud and clear. It’s a call to action for individuals and organizations worldwide to contribute towards protecting tigers and their habitats, celebrating successes in conservation, and inspiring continued commitment to this noble cause.
Significance of International Tiger Day
There is no denying that tigers are the largest member of the cat family and one of the most iconic animals on earth. It is estimated that there were over 100,000 tigers roaming the earth a century ago.
According to the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF), there are 3,900 wild cats in the world. There was a time when tigers roamed across most of the African continent, making the day even more important. Poaching, illegal wildlife trade, and habitat loss, however, have reduced their population and range to just about 7%. There are 51 tiger reserves in India, spread across 18 states. During the 2018 tiger census, India’s national animal showed an increase in population.
International Tiger Day is held on July 29 to raise awareness about the conservation of the wild cat, whose population has decreased by nearly 95% over the last 150 years.
Reasons behind the declining population of Tigers
Some of the reasons behind the declining population of Tigers are as follows:
- Poaching and illegal trade
- Habitat loss
- Climate Change.
- Several diseases are also the key factor.
- The study of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (RTR) says that the tiger population in the park has shown a loss of genetic diversity over the years.
- Degradation of Habitats
- Man-animal conflict also affects the population of big cats.
- Lack of protection infrastructure.
- Increasing tourism day by day is also one of the factors for the decline in tiger numbers.
How to Observe International Tiger Day
To participate in this day, you can make a donation to organizations like the International Tiger Project, which supports anti-poaching initiatives, habitat restoration, and community engagement programs. Another way to contribute is by symbolically adopting a tiger, providing crucial funds for conservation efforts, and receiving updates on the program’s progress. Spreading awareness through social media using hashtags such as #InternationalTigerDay and #SaveTigers can amplify the message and educate others about the importance of protecting these majestic creatures. Hosting fundraisers or dedicating special occasions like birthdays to support tiger conservation are also impactful ways to observe this day. By engaging in these activities, you can play a part in ensuring a future for tigers in the wild and help maintain the biodiversity of our planet. For more detailed information and ways to get involved, you can visit the International Tiger Project website.
Observation Dates International Tiger Day
World Hepatitis Day, is observed on July 29th to raise awareness about this magnificent but endangered big cat.
| Year | Date | Day |
| 2019 | 29-Jul-19 | Monday |
| 2020 | 29-Jul-20 | Wednesday |
| 2021 | 29-Jul-21 | Thursday |
| 2022 | 29-Jul-22 | Friday |
| 2023 | 29-Jul-23 | Saturday |
| 2024 | 29-Jul-24 | Monday |
| 2025 | 29-Jul-25 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | 29-Jul-26 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | 29-Jul-27 | Thursday |
| 2028 | 29-Jul-28 | Saturday |
| 2029 | 29-Jul-29 | Sunday |
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