Some may seem ferocious and terrifying, others cute and cuddly, but all tigers share one thing in common -- they're an endangered species. Tigers (Panthera tigris), which are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, have seen up to a 50 percent decrease in range and population in the past three decades, according to IUCN.
In November 2011, Interpol launched a campaign to save wild tigers in the 13 Asian countries where they still remain, reported the Associated Press. Robert Zoellick, head of the World Bank and founder of the Global Tiger Initiative, said the campaign "will reduce trafficking in tiger parts, with the add-on effect of reducing other wildlife crime in Asia."
Despite efforts to help tiger populations, their habitats remain threatened. A 2012 World Wildlife Fund report alleged that a major Asian paper company whose products are exported to the U.S. may be contributing to Sumatran tiger habitat destruction through deforestation. Recent estimates suggest there are between 441 and 679 wild Sumatran tigers remaining.
Click here to see more images of other threatened and endangered animals, and check out our slideshow below dedicated just to tigers! If you want to help tigers, visit savetigersnow.org or text TIGERS to 20222 to donate $10 directly to tiger protection efforts.
