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How does poaching threaten tiger populations?

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A Bengal tiger with orange fur and black stripes lies on the ground, facing forward with its front legs crossed. — tiger The forests of West Bengal are inhabited by the endangered Bengal tiger (*Panthera tigris tigris*).

Poaching is a major existential threat to tigers, contributing significantly to their status as an endangered species. Despite being legally protected throughout their range, tigers are illegally hunted to supply a persistent underground market for their parts.12

Poachers target tigers for various reasons, driven by the demand for:
* Traditional Medicine: Tiger bones, blood, meat, whiskers, and other organs are used in traditional medicines, potions, and wines, despite a lack of scientific evidence for their efficacy.1
* Talismans and Display: Tiger skins are highly valued for display and worship, while claws, teeth, and clavicles are sought after as talismans.1

This illegal trade, combined with the loss of habitat and prey, has severely depleted wild populations. While international agreements like the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species aim to regulate and curb this trade, enforcement remains a critical challenge. Protecting these magnificent animals from such exploitation is a moral imperative to prevent further extinction and preserve global biodiversity.132