essay on conservation of tigers
Answers
The Tiger is a symbol of wilderness and well being of the ecosystem. By conserving and saving tigers the entire ecosystem is conserved as the tiger is the apex predator that keeps the food chain in balance by preventing the forests from being grazed to decimation by herbivores which would multiply unsustainably in its absence. At the same time, the tiger cannot survive without a minimum level of herbivores to prey on and un-fragmented forest cover. Saving tiger, therefore, is analogous to saving the ecosystem, which is crucial for man’s own survival.
India is home for over 50% of the world’s wild tiger population and the numbers have dramatically risen from less than 2000 in the 1970s when tiger’s were critically endangered. However, with even 2000 tigers in the Indian jungles today, one cannot say that tigers are not threatened by extinction. Tigers are facing an increasing threat from poaching due to their high value in the Asian markets. The poverty of the people who live in and around tiger habitats and the high price paid for tiger parts continue to pose an increasing threat to the tiger. Today, with instances like Sariska; where the entire tiger population has been wiped out due to poaching; and with major development construction work being undertaken in some National Parks and with the case of the Sahara group acquiring land in the extremely sensitive ecosystem of the Sunderban National Park, we cannot complacently believe that the tiger is safe.
India holds over half the world’s tiger population. According to the latest tiger census report released on February 12, 2008 by the National Tiger Conservation Authority, the current tiger population stands at 1,411 (i.e. ranging between a minimum of 1,165 to a maximum of 1,657). The results include figures from 16 tiger states and are exclusive of Jharkhand and Sunderbans. The state of West Bengal was covered only partially (i.e. North Bengal) during the census.
Tiger is a wild animal who finds in the dense forests and jungles. It runs very fast. It belongs to the cat’s family. It is generally eight to twelve feet long as well as three to four feet in height. It is a carnivorous animal. It is very fond of fresh blood and flesh. It hunts in night to the other wild animals such as deer, zebra etc. Even it carries off cows, buffaloes, goats, dogs and other animals from the village also which is near that forest. It mostly attacks suddenly on his prey. In one meal he eats about 55-60 pounds of food during the night. It is very cruel and ferocious animal.
Tiger has strong body and stamina. It is a four footed meat eater mammal which hunts other wild, pet or domestic animals. Sometimes it attacks on humans also. It runs about 85 km/h and jump up to 7ft. Its brown body with black stripes makes him very beautiful. It is found in white colour also. It has a long tail which helps him to maintain body balance while hunting the prey. Tiger is a world’s best known animal. It is admired for its strength, courage and fighting spirit. Just because of its best qualities, Indian government has declared it as a national animal.