Hello Friends, the 27th of September is International Tiger Day.
It seems like a good time to reflect on how the magnificent
tiger is coping world wide.
John Read, Tiger Canyons
At the turn of the previous century (1900), there were reputed
to be 100 000 tigers in the wild. Today this figure is around
1 000 and still declining. At the same time, human beings around
the world have put 45 000 tigers in cages, safari parks and
circus acts.
Lorna Drew, Tiger Canyons
In 2007 the news leaked out that Sariska, a park in India, had
lost all its tigers. It took the Indian Government a full
12 months to admit that, in fact, the tigers were extinct in
Sariska.
Worse was to follow. In 2009 Panna Park was declared void of
tigers.
All Indian parks, including Ranthambore and Kanha, have showed
drastic declines in tiger numbers.
Tertia Smit, Tiger Canyons
Even The Sundarban's, where traditionally nature had protected
tigers, ironically is threatened by rising oceans caused by
global warming.
In Nepal, the tigers are protected by the royal family and they
have had political upheaval.
At the same time, human populations in Asia have risen
exponentially. India (1,3 billion) and China (1,7 billion) alone
have 3 billion people, nearly 50% of the worlds total human
population.
Tigers and humans compete directly for prey, space and habitat.
The tiger has no chance.
Tiger Awareness,
Bandhavgarh, India
I started my tiger project in 2000 when there were reputed 5000
tigers still in the wild. This number is now 1000 and declining.
Marietjie Read, Tiger Canyons
In South Africa, several tiger supporters have invested time,
expertise, land and money in the tiger. During 2010 we will see
the emergence of two satellite tiger sanctuaries to Tiger
Canyons in other provinces of South Africa. The first of these
will restore the tiger and cheetah relationship which has been
lost in Asia. The second will restore the tiger leopard
relationship which is almost extinct.
Jade de Klerk, Tiger Canyons
At Tiger Canyons, 8 tigers have been bred including one white
cub.
A global groundswell of concerned people from all over the world
and especially from Asia is growing rapidly.
Sean Varty, 9 years, Tiger Canyons
There is outrage is India about the extinction of tigers in
prominent parks.
I have spent 9 years close to and living with tigers, it has
been an enriching experience to work with these magnificent
creatures, one of the highlights of my life.
Tao Varty, 9 years, Tiger Canyons
If we cannot save the tigers, I assure you we cannot save
ourselves, it is as simple as that.
Steve Smith,
Kanha
On Sunday, the 27th of September 2009, International Tiger Day,
I ask you to take 16 minutes of your time and ask yourself, what
can I do for tigers, how can I contribute?
Thais Racy, Tiger Canyons
In this newsletter, I would like to celebrate the majestic tiger
with you by sharing 16 pictures taken by various photographers
at Tiger Canyons - South Africa, Kanha and
Bandhavgarh - India. Enjoy!
Tread lightly on the Earth
JV
Joachim Knoethig, Tiger Canyons
More pictures - Tiger Photo Gallery
