Year of the Tiger begins with big cats in big trouble

Posted on 11 February 2010

As many Asian countries and communities around the world prepare to celebrate the start of the Year of the Tiger, which begins on Feb. 14, WWF outlined the current top 10 trouble spots for tigers in a first-time interactive map that provides a unique overview of threats faced by wild tigers. The map is designed to raise awareness of these issues and help tiger range states deliver effective conservation of wild tiger habitats.

There are only an estimated 3,200 tigers left in the wild, and they face increasing threats including habitat loss, illegal trade and climate change. WWF is launching a global campaign to raise awareness, funds and action for tiger conservation. The overarching goal is to double the number of tigers in the wild by the next Year of the Tiger in 2022 – a goal that was recently adopted by all tiger range countries. The campaign will build on WWF's many years of work to help save tigers in the wild.

The Top 10 Tiger Trouble Spots in 2010 map is an effort to increase awareness of the many threats to wild tigers, both in their home ranges and in parts of the world that have an impact on them. It is a 'big picture' overview of the major issues that need to be vigorously addressed this year, if we are to secure a future for tigers in the wild.

Threats to wild tigers highlighted in the map include:

Pulp, paper, palm oil and rubber companies are devastating the forests of Indonesia and Malaysia with critical tiger populations;
Hundreds of new or proposed dams and roads in the Mekong region will fragment tiger habitat;
Illegal trafficking in tiger bones, skins and meat feeds continued demand in East, Southeast Asia and elsewhere;
More tigers are kept in captivity in the U.S. state of Texas than are left in the wild -- and there are few regulations to keep these tigers from ending up on the black market;
Poaching of tigers and their prey, along with a major increase in logging is taking a heavy toll on Amur, or Siberian, tigers;
Tigers and humans are increasingly coming into conflict in India as tiger habitats shrink;
Climate change could reduce tiger habitat in Bangladesh's Sundarbans mangroves by 96 percent.

To view and/or download the map, please visit: http://www.worldwildlife.org/tigertroublespots

Let’s Celebrate the Year of Tiger with your relatives and friends in a “Tiger-Friendly" way

Here in Hong Kong we launch the Tiger series products and fundraising programmes to raise funds for tiger conservation programmes in China, one of the few remaining natural habitats for wild tigers. This Chinese New Year, why not give friends and relatives WWF’s tiger gifts. This is a thoughtful way of sending your love to your friends and relatives, as well as showing your concern about tigers and making this Year of the Tiger a more meaningful year.

Product Highlights

Cartoon Brown Tiger USB drive (Price: HK $99 each)
“Panda Shop” provides tiger products to celebrate the Year of the Tiger. 20% of all sales will go directly to WWF China’s tiger programme.

Symbolic Tiger Adoption Pack (Price: HK $300 each)
For only $300, you can 'adopt' tigers. A formal adoption certificate, a color photo of the adopted tiger, a species description card and a tiger plush toy come nestled in an environmentally-friendly gift bag. What a special and perfect gift for your friends and relatives this new year! Your purchase will help support WWF's conservation efforts to save tigers at risk and their habitats. Parents, you may wish to give this gift to your children, and in doing so show them how we can love animals and care for the planet on this special and meaningful Year of the Tiger.

Tiger Appeal
Apart from purchasing the tiger products, your donation will support WWF’s tiger conservation work in China. To make donation, please click here.

Tigers’ books charity bazaar
Sarah Brennan launched her latest book, The Tale of Temujin. Bookazine generously donate 50 pieces of the book to WWF for charity selling. This is a funny Chinese Calendar Tale about Tigers, tantrums, and a right royal pain of a princess.

Please note
For products detail, please visit our website and the Catalog can be downloaded at the website.

Year of the Tiger begins with big cats in big trouble

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