The tiger (Panthera tigris) is the largest extant cat species and a member of the Panthera genus. This powerful, muscular animal has a large head, paws, and tail, as well as distinctive vertical black stripes on orange fur. First scientifically described in 1758, tigers are traditionally classified into eight recent subspecies, though some only recognize two: mainland Asian and Sunda Island tigers. Tigers inhabit diverse forests across their range, from coniferous and temperate broadleaf in Russia and China to tropical rainforests in India and Southeast Asia. As apex predators, they mainly ambush and prey on deer, boar, and other ungulates. Tigers lead predominantly solitary lives within defined home ranges that they defend from same-sex individuals. A male’s range overlaps with multiple females with which he breeds. Females typically bear two or three cubs that stay with their mother for around two years before leaving to establish their own ranges.

Tiger populations have dramatically declined over the past century, losing at least 93% of their historic range since the early 1900s. They are now locally extinct in large parts of their native habitat, including West and Central Asia, significant areas of China, and the islands of Java and Bali. Today, the remaining tiger territory is severely fragmented. Classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, tigers have seen an estimated 53-68% reduction in their range since the late 1990s due to rampant habitat destruction from deforestation and development, as well as poaching for the illegal fur and medicinal trades. Conflict with humans in densely populated regions has also taken a massive toll and is on the rise in India. As tigers’ natural habitat shrinks, attacks on people are becoming more common, further imperiling the species through human-wildlife conflict.

There are currently no hunting opportunities for this animal.

We believe that strictly regulated and ethical hunting can solve many of the issues tigers and local humans living with them face today. Doing so would decrease human-wildlife conflict while providing the much needed funds for purchasing protected habitat, and combating poachers.