There are only 4,000 in the wild in the world

In the last century, humans were responsible 97% of the world’s tigers have disappeared And, unbelievable as it may seem, There are more tigers in captivity than in the wild. Although its population in the wild does not reach 4,000 specimens, in 2019 it was estimated that almost 14,000 tigers lived in cages (913 in Europe, more than 8,000 in Asia and more than 5,000 in the United States).

Now, an operation has been launched with the dual objective of removing many of these specimens from captivity and, at the same time, repopulating the depleted wild population. Association of Zoos, Hatcheries and Aquariums of Mexico (AZCARM) and the Sanctuary of Ostac in the Aztec Nation, About 200 tigers that have been rescued, abandoned or confiscated have been sent to conservation centers in India. Zoos in the country.

About 50 lions and cheetahs are seizures and rescues or transferred from circuses that can no longer maintain or care for them.

The objective of this operation was to repopulate the territories of India with this raceBecause, despite its origin, it is threatened with extinction due to poaching and destruction of its habitat.

Ernesto Zazueta, president of AZCARM, commented to the Mexican press that the best place for these animals would be where they are native.

“A few months ago, we started intensive work with Green Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Center of India to carry out this important translocation of 200 tigers. A special program with all necessary procedures to achieve the release of this species in the natural environment, So they are practically repopulating the areas that have disappeared”, he pointed out.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimates that there are fewer than 4,000 tiger species in the world.

This body remembers tigers They are hunted as trophies and parts of their bodies are extracted for use in traditional Chinese medicine.

Zazueta pointed out that the relocation is a very intensive job that involves the intervention of many people, including big cats, veterinarians, authorities, transport and other specialists.

He promised to comply with documents requested by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and animal health requirements provided by both countries.

“It was a long and intensive process, and we had to work hard to get the documents requested by CITES to achieve it. and by environmental authorities of both countries. And the translocated animals also undergo a rigorous review process regarding their physical condition as they need to be in very good health to withstand the long hours of flight,” he added.

Once they arrived in India, the animals were quarantined for observation. They will then enter the process of adaptation and integration with the environment, and then they will work on a specific conservation and restoration plan.

“I hope they will be fine. It’s a very spacious recovery center, one hundred percent natural, closed to the public. We already have 100 copies and we will convert it in the same way,” he said.

They inhabit only 5% of their historical territory

Tigers currently occupy 5% of its territory historical, From a population of 100,000 specimens at the beginning of the 20th century, 3,890 tigers now live in the wild. Although a dangerous figure, We have experienced a promising rebound in recent years With their population growth. Its population has gone from 3,200 people in 2010 3,890 at the last census.

This video shows the evolution of their geographic distribution and what they can achieve if the necessary measures are taken.

The biggest threat facing these iconic cats is species poaching. They are hunted Transported in their bones, they are used medicinally for their aphrodisiac powers or miraculous anticancer; for They sell their furs and make rugs and decorative items; and tear off their claws and fangs, and sell them as amulets.

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Contact of the Environment Department: [email protected]