Protecting Tigers

In the last 100 years, tigers have lost 93% of their historical range with population numbers estimated at fewer than 3,500 still remaining in the wild. The increasing demand for tiger skins and derivatives has pushed this iconic species to the brink of extinction.

By funding ground-based tiger conservation initiatives across Asia, David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) is fighting from grass roots to the world-stage to protect this iconic species and give it the best possible chance of survival in the wild.

Tiger Conservation Updates 2017-2018

Russia:

• In the Russian far-east, our funding has uncovered 491 wildlife violations and the seizure of six rifles, preventing them from being used as a tool for destruction. 
• DSWF also funded a project into the rehabilitation and removal of illegal logging routes in prime tiger habitats to ensure that illegal activity and human presence in protected areas did not adversely impact on the remote tiger populations.
• In 2018, we funded eight annual art competitions for children, promoting careful and respectful attitudes towards Amur tigers. Art helps to teach children fundamental skills, values and attitudes and as many as 3,285 sent in their paintings. 
• DSWF  also funded Tiger Day and a tiger festival with 18,000 attendees. Competitions were held to promote tiger conservation, including 372 participants in a ‘feed the tiger’ contest, 251 participants in ‘the fastest tiger’ contest and 170 children taking part in a quiz about wildlife. At Tiger Day in Luchegorsk, 14 delegations representing village schools participated in the parade. Over 600 people attended this event.

 Thailand:

• Our partners in the Dong Phayanyen-Khao Yai Forest Complex of Thailand reported no poaching incidents last year, which is particularly encouraging for an area previously recognised as a poaching hotspot. By investing in long term law enforcement efforts, capacity building and training, we believe we can turn the tide on wildlife crime.

Trans- Himalayan:

•  Through investigations in trans-Himalayan regions, DSWF funding has helped infiltrate illegal wildlife networks, which are involved in the illegal wildlife trade, so allowing substantive information to be collected. This information has now been shared with law enforcement authorities to assist in arrests and convictions.