By Dr Matthew J Muir BVSc/BVetBiol (Hons) MRCVS
The majestic tiger, an enduring symbol of strength and resilience, stands at a pivotal moment in 2025. While significant strides have been made in their conservation, challenges persist—yet the momentum is undeniable.
A Positive Stride: Doubling Tiger Populations
In 2010, 13 tiger range countries pledged to double wild tiger numbers by 2022, a goal known as Tx2. Remarkably, some nations not only reached this target—they exceeded it.
India now supports around 3,682 tigers, up from 1,706 in 2010, accounting for approximately 75% of the world’s wild tiger population—thanks to intensive anti-poaching patrols, expanded protected areas, and community engagement.
Nepal nearly tripled its tiger numbers, from 121 in 2010 to 355 in 2022—a standout conservation success fueled by strong government policy and local stewardship.
Myanmar, despite vast forest coverage, has seen tiger numbers stagnate due to limited monitoring, fragmented habitats, and weak enforcement in critical corridors.
Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam offer the starkest contrast, where wild tiger populations are now functionally extinct. Decades of intense poaching and habitat loss have driven local extinctions, though reintroduction strategies are being considered.
So while there is room for celebration, the Tx2 journey reminds us that tiger recovery is not guaranteed—and must be matched with political will, funding, and local support in every range country.
Tigers as Umbrella Species: Guardians of Ecosystems
Tigers are more than icons—they’re ecological anchors. Their protection safeguards entire landscapes, indirectly preserving hundreds of other species and critical ecosystem functions. When we protect a tiger’s territory, we also protect water sources, carbon sinks, and livelihoods.
This includes numerous critically endangered species that share tiger habitats—such as the Chinese pangolin, red-headed vulture, Malayan tapir, and the forest owlet. Their survival is often tied to the same ecological protections tigers receive, reinforcing the role of tigers as true umbrella species.
30 by 30: A Conservation Win for Tigers
The global 30x30 initiative to protect 30% of the planet’s land and sea by 2030 holds real promise for tigers. Expanding and connecting protected areas offers these wide-ranging predators room to roam, breed, and adapt in a warming world.
However, it's important to acknowledge that the short-term transition can feel uncertain for communities whose livelihoods are deeply intertwined with natural resource access. Balancing conservation and human well-being must remain central to these efforts.
Bright Spots on the Map
Thailand’s Western Forest Complex has seen tiger numbers double in two decades, supported by healthy prey recovery and consistent protection efforts.
Amur tigers in Russia and northeast China continue their slow comeback. Russia aims to maintain a population of over 700, while China's numbers have climbed to around 55—after hovering near extinction in the 1990s.
Sumatran tigers, critically endangered, remain under immense pressure from habitat loss and poaching—but grassroots and Indigenous-led programs, in ecosystems like Kerinci Seblat National Park, provide glimmers of hope.
Success Brings New Complexities
In Nepal, success has come with a twist: more tigers are leading to more frequent human-wildlife conflicts, including fatal encounters. This has sparked debate about whether tiger numbers have now outpaced available habitat—a reminder that conservation must also account for human safety and coexistence.
Consider the story of Bhadai Tharu, a resident of Nepal's Terai region. In 2004, while collecting grass in the Gauri Mahila Community Forest, he was attacked by a tiger, resulting in the loss of his eye. Instead of seeking revenge, Bhadai dedicated himself to tiger conservation, leading anti-poaching patrols and educating his community about coexistence. His journey from victim to protector underscores the complex relationship between humans and tigers in shared landscapes.
Poaching and the Trade in Tiger Parts: Is Demand Finally Falling?
Despite growing success stories, illegal demand for tiger parts remains a serious threat. But there's hope here too. Campaigns led by WWF and enforcement efforts across Asia are beginning to shift behaviour.
Online marketplaces are under scrutiny, and public education about the medical and ethical implications of tiger trade is reaching more audiences.
Rewilding: A New Frontier for Big Cat Recovery
One of the most ambitious developments is happening in Kazakhstan, where a rewilding program aims to restore tiger populations in the Ile-Balkhash region. Although Caspian tigers once roamed these lands, they’re now extinct. Conservationists plan to reintroduce Amur tigers, their closest genetic relatives, to fill this lost ecological niche.
In September 2024, two Amur tigers—Bohdana and Kuma—were transported from a sanctuary in the Netherlands to a semi-wild enclosure in Kazakhstan. This marked the beginning of a historic reintroduction. The goal? Establish a self-sustaining wild population where tigers have not been seen in over 70 years. This isn't just about reviving a species—it’s about rewilding an entire landscape.
Looking Ahead
In 2025, tiger conservation is no longer just about saving a species—it’s about rebuilding ecosystems, empowering local communities, and shifting global mindsets. The tiger’s roar is being heard once more—not just as a call from the wild, but as a call to action.