ON THE EDGE OF EXTINCTION - A - THE TIGER (Panthera tigris)

[peter]

Excellent appreciation, Guate. We could talk a long time about subspecies, definitions and sound classifications, but in the end I agree with the writers of the article in that it is five to twelve in many countries. Something needs to be done and one of the things biologists can attribute is simplicity. I also think the proposal to rewild captive tigers in some regions is more than just an option.

Tigerluver, however, has a point in that some biologists and zoologists seem to be navigating towards preconceived ideas. It also is a fact that the samples used to get to statements often are way below the threshold needed. I still wonder why nobody even attempted to get to a decent sample. It can be done if you're prepared to visit as many museums as possible. One could also try to contact private collectors. My guess is many would be willing to cooperate.

Although I do not doubt the validity of the nine subspecies mentioned in the article recently discussed, we also need to recognize three facts:

a - Today's tigers evolved after the Toba eruption. In evolutionary terms, it is a recent species.
b - Captive tigers of different subspecies readily interbreed. 
c - Wild tigers rapidly adjust to changing circumstances, both in size and behaviour. 

Tiger conservation doesn't have to be impaired because of a lack of tigers or because of changing conditions, that is. Not in mainland Asia. The key to conservation isn't simplicity, more studies or more money, but politics. The only country willing to commit, as far as I can see, is Russia and it shows. Not only in more tigers, but in more territory, habitat improvement and legislation. Not saying there's no commitment in other countries, but not at the level of central government. And when it does, it doesn't last long enough to get to results. In most of Asia (Indonesia included), the elites see profits and those who vote want work and a decent income, not a wild tiger lurking around the corner. The outcome of the development that has to be expected would be habitat destruction and guess what.

How chan ge the tide? In what way can large organizations help? How use the money available in the correct way? For now, I would say leasing wild country seems to be the best option. You lease suited parts (long-term contracts only), turn them into reserves, pay for all expenses (management, rangers and equipment) and, in this way, keep some kind of control. A part of the reserve will have to be used to attract visitors and generate both goodwill and some money. It would compare to the period of colonisation in some ways, but the benefits, for all involved, would outweigh the disadvantages, especially in the long run. Preserving islands of wild country and pristine forests wouldn't suit unrestricted gene flow, but chances are tigers would survive one more century.  Reply