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Why are tigers classified as endangered?
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tiger
The forests of West Bengal are inhabited by the endangered Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris).
Tigers are classified as endangered primarily due to the combined pressures of poaching and habitat loss.1
While poaching remains a significant threat, the species would face endangerment even if illegal hunting ceased entirely. The primary drivers include:1
- Habitat Loss: Rapidly growing human populations have led to the clearing of forests and grasslands for agriculture, drastically reducing both the quantity and quality of land available for tigers.1
- Prey Depletion: As natural habitats shrink, the tiger's prey populations decline. This forces tigers to hunt livestock, which often leads to lethal retribution from local human communities.1
- Illegal Trade: Despite legal protections, there is a persistent underground market for tiger parts—including bones, skins, and teeth—used in traditional medicines, talismans, and luxury displays.1
International efforts, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species and various national conservation programs like Project Tiger, work to mitigate these threats and protect the remaining wild populations.12