1 Nov 2023

IN PHOTOS: ROAR POWER

Two Siberian tigers (Panthera tigris altaica) portraits, captive
Two Siberian tigers (Panthera tigris altaica) portraits, captive © naturepl.com / Edwin Giesbers / WWF

With less than 5,600 left in the wild, every big cat counts. Take action now to help protect tigers and save them from extinction.

There are now an estimated 5,574 (GTF, 2023) tigers left in the wild but despite international and domestic trade bans, tigers are still being poached for their body parts. Learn more.

Tiger (Panthera tigris) looking upwards, India
Tiger (Panthera tigris) looking upwards, India © Vivek R. Sinha / WWF

Tigers are symbolic of progress, strength, courage and luck.

A tiger walks through long grass
© naturepl.com / Francois Savigny / WWF

As large predators, tigers play a key role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

Two tigers (Panthera tigris) playing, India
Two tigers (Panthera tigris) playing, India © Vivek R. Sinha / WWF

Tigers are usually solitary by nature, but cubs can remain with their mother for up to two and a half years.

Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) female with cubs in water, Ranthambore National Park, India
© naturepl.com / Andy Rouse / WWF

Tiger cubs remain dependent on their mother for food until around 18 months old.

A tiger view from above on mossy rock
A tiger view from above on mossy rock © Shutterstock/ FX / WWF

Tiger stripes are like human fingerprints. No two tigers have the same pattern of stripes.

Tigers cub seized from smugglers getting a health check
Tigers cub seized from smugglers getting a health check © WWF / James Morgan

One of 16 tiger cubs saved from the illegal wildlife trade receives a health check. The cubs were being smuggled across the border from Thailand into Laos, two cubs per crate in the back of a truck. The young tigers were probably reared on an illegal tiger farm in Thailand and destined for the illegal wildlife trade.

A tiger's testicle, of dubious authenticity, on sale at Tha Phra Chan market, Bangkok, Thailand
A tiger's testicle, of dubious authenticity, on sale at Tha Phra Chan market, Bangkok, Thailand © WWF / James Morgan

The illegal trade in tiger parts and products is centred in Asia and demand is driven by middle-class and wealthy consumers. Tiger parts are used for an array of purposes – ranging from trophies and garments to Traditional Asian Medicine, for tonics and folk medicines, as well as for their meat.

A semi-tamed tiger at Kanchanaburi tiger temple, Thailand
A semi-tamed tiger at Kanchanaburi tiger temple, Thailand © WWF / James Morgan

Tiger farms are often used to lure tourists. There are more than 300 tiger farms still operating across Asia. Up to 8,900 tigers are held captive in squalid conditions.

A tiger resting its head on the lap of a buddhist monk, Tiger Temple, Thailand
A tiger resting its head on the lap of a buddhist monk, Tiger Temple, Thailand © WWF / James Morgan

The Kanchanaburi tiger temple was shut down in 2016. Authorities made the grisly discovery that the temple had been breeding the tigers en masse to be sold into the illegal wildlife trade.

Tigers are losing their homes and their lives. But together, we can help these majestic big cats thrive. There are many ways you can support our tiger conservation work. Find out more here.