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Most nature lovers understand the complicated and challenging issues of conservation. So many of our planet’s magnificent animal species are under threat of extinction, and it’s a race against time and the ramifications of human interference to ensure they don’t go the way of so many already lost. Panthera tigris is one of the most high-profile species in the world. Tiger tours, which offer the opportunity to observe it in its natural habitat, are a highly popular wildlife travel experience. But, unfortunately, this beautiful animal is also one of our most vulnerable and endangered species. Conservation in Action Over the past few decades, great strides have been made by dedicated conservation agencies to put programmes in place designed to protect, restore and nurture the big cat’s habitat around the world. While the results are finally showing, there is always more to be done. One way of raising the profile of the threats to the survival of the species is to understand just how intrinsic it is to the diversity of the ecosystem in which it lives, and how directed conservation efforts have far-reaching effects. Protecting Other Wildlife While most Tiger tours take place in the Indian subcontinent, the animal also inhabits other parts of Asia, eastern Russia and northeastern China. Programmes put in place to preserve its habitat also protect the other wildlife and flora species that exist within the surrounding area, including some that are also critically endangered. Saving the Forests Due to the high-profile campaigns to save the Tiger, the governments of several countries have been compelled to invest in the protection of forests. Forests are vital in order to soak up carbon dioxide to reduce the effects of global warming; as climate change is such a prevalent issue on the global agenda, anything that helps to mitigate its effects can make for a powerful political platform. An offshoot of big cat conservation in Asia and the far east of Russia is the safeguarding of vast tracts of forests, which are vital to clean air and the regulation of climate change. Preserving Fresh Water Systems Programmes in place to protect the Tiger’s habitat in Asia also overlap into urban areas. Many of these contain major watersheds that are also needed to sustain the human population for agriculture, energy and industry. By protecting the forest habitats, cleaner water is generated for the ecosystem with a reduced volume of sediment in the rivers that flow into urban areas. Cloud forests are also responsible for the regulation of water flow, ensuring a balance during droughts and floods. Preserving Cultures Ironically, considering the human threat to the big cat, programmes put in place for its survival also help preserve traditional cultures. There are communities of indigenous peoples living within the animal’s ranges who also depend on the forests to survive. By ensuring the protection and regeneration of the natural resources of these regions, local traditions and languages are able to continue. For anyone planning to travel on one of the Tiger tours to the Indian subcontinent, becoming an advocate for this beautiful creature is one important way of giving back. Sharing the far-reaching effects of its conservation can help raise awareness of the importance of such efforts. Marissa Ellis-Snow is a freelance nature writer with a special interest in Tiger watching. As a passionate lover of wildlife, Marissa chooses the expert-led Tiger tours organised by Naturetrek, which have brought her unforgettable sightings of a wide range of species in some of the most spectacular regions on Earth.
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