International efforts toward tiger and snow leopard conservation have garnered increasing attention in recent years as these iconic big cats face numerous threats to their survival. Tigers, known for their majestic presence and cultural significance, and snow leopards, renowned for their elusive nature and unparalleled beauty, inhabit some of the most remote and fragile ecosystems on the planet. However, habitat loss, poaching, human-wildlife conflict, and climate change pose significant challenges to their existence. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, governments, conservation organizations, scientists, and local communities have come together to develop collaborative strategies aimed at protecting and restoring tiger and snow leopard populations across their range countries. Through coordinated conservation initiatives, research efforts, policy advocacy, and community engagement, these international endeavors strive to ensure the long-term viability of these magnificent species and the ecosystems they inhabit.
INTERNATIONAL EFFORT IN TIGER CONSERVATION
GLOBAL TIGER FORUM
The Global Tiger Forum (GTF) is an Inter-Governmental international body dedicated exclusively to the conservation of tigers. Its establishment dates back to 1994 when the idea was first recommended during an International Symposium on Tiger Conservation held in New Delhi in 1993.
Key Points about the Global Tiger Forum (GTF):
- Established in 1994 following the recommendation of the International Symposium on Tiger Conservation.
- Headquarters located in New Delhi.
- The General Assembly of GTF convenes every three years.
- Utilizes cooperative policies, common approaches, technical expertise, scientific modules, and other relevant programs.
Mission and Objectives:
- Aims to provide leadership and a unified approach globally for safeguarding the survival of tigers, their prey, and habitats.
- Promotes a worldwide campaign to save tigers, their prey, and habitats.
Legal Framework and Conservation Plans:
- Plans to advocate for a legal framework in member countries for biodiversity conservation.
- Aims to expand the protected area network for tiger habitats and facilitate inter-passage in range countries.
Membership and Global Tiger Summit:
- Comprises 14 tiger range countries as its members.
- The St. Petersburg Tiger Summit in 2010 saw leaders of 13 tiger range countries resolve to double the number of tigers in the wild, with the slogan ‘T x 2.’
GLOBAL TIGER INITIATIVE (GTI):
- The World Bank’s Global Tiger Initiative (GTI) program brought global partners together to strengthen the tiger conservation agenda.
- Over time, the initiative evolved into a separate entity known as the Global Tiger Initiative Council (GTIC), with GTF being one of its components.
Forged partnerships with various organizations in India and globally, including IUCN, WWF, WCT, WII, IIFM, IFAW, WTI, WCS, USAID, World Bank, Clemson University.
TX2
TX2: Doubling the World’s Wild Tigers by 2022
TX2 represents a global commitment to double the population of wild tigers by 2022.
The reference year for this commitment is 2006, serving as a baseline for assessing the progress toward doubling tiger numbers.
World Wildlife Fund (WWF) initiated the TX2 goal through collaborations with the Global Tiger Initiative, Global Tiger Forum, and other essential platforms.
ST. PETERSBURG SUMMIT(2010):
- A significant milestone was the St Petersburg Summit held in Russia in 2010.
- All 13 tiger range countries participated, making a historic commitment to double the wild tiger population by 2022.
- India stands out as a noteworthy achiever of the TX2 goal.
- The nation has successfully doubled its wild tiger population, showcasing effective conservation efforts.
GLOBAL TIGER INITIATIVES
- The Global Tiger Initiative (GTI) was inaugurated in 2008 as a collaborative alliance involving governments, international organizations, civil society, conservation and scientific communities, and the private sector.Â
- Its primary objective is to collectively safeguard wild tigers and prevent their extinction.Â
- Notably, the initiative expanded its focus in 2013 to include Snow Leopards.
- Formation and Purpose:
- Launched in 2008, the GTI is a global alliance dedicated to saving wild tigers from extinction.
- Scope Expansion:
- In 2013, the GTI extended its scope to encompass Snow Leopards, reflecting a broader commitment to big cat conservation.
- Founding Partners:
- The GTI’s founding partners include influential entities such as the World Bank, the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Smithsonian Institution, the Save the Tiger Fund, and the International Tiger Coalition, which represents over 40 non-governmental organizations.
- Leadership:
- The initiative is led by the 13 tiger range countries (TRCs), emphasizing the pivotal role of nations where tigers inhabit.
GLOBAL TIGER RECOVERY PROGRAM
- The overarching goal of the Global Tiger Recovery Program is to double the number of wild tigers in the geographical areas of the 13 tiger range countries.
- The target is to increase the population from around 3,200 to over 7,000 by 2022.
SNOW LEOPARD
- The snow leopard, scientifically identified as Panthera uncia, is a felid within the Panthera genus, native to the mountainous regions of Central and South Asia.Â
- Recognized as the “Ghost of the Mountains,” this species assumes the role of a top predator in the mountain ecosystem, making it an essential indicator of the region’s overall health.
- India stands out as a unique country with a notable presence of five big cat species, among which the snow leopard is included.Â
- Alongside the snow leopard, the other four species are the lion, tiger, common leopard, and clouded leopard.
- The snow leopard holds a “Vulnerable” status on the IUCN Red List, reflecting its precarious global population, estimated to be fewer than 10,000 mature individuals, with an anticipated decline of around 10% by 2040.Â
- Hemis National Park, the largest national park in India, serves as a significant habitat for the snow leopard.
- Scientific Name: Panthera uncia
- As a top predator in the food web, snow leopards play a crucial role in indicating the health of the mountain ecosystem they inhabit.
- IUCN List of Threatened Species: Vulnerable.
- CITES: Appendix I.
- Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule-I.
GLOBAL CONSERVATION EFFORTS
In 2013, the Bishkek Declaration established an ambitious target of safeguarding a minimum of 20 snow leopard habitats with viable populations by the year 2020. This initiative paved the way for the creation of the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP), a high-level inter-governmental alliance comprising all 12 snow leopard range countries. The primary focus of GSLEP is to promote awareness and understanding of the invaluable role played by the snow leopard in its ecosystem.
Since 2014, October 23 has been designated as International Snow Leopard Day, commemorating the anniversary of the Bishkek Declaration. This day serves to celebrate the endangered snow leopard, while also fostering awareness and advocacy for its conservation and protection.
As part of WWF’s global initiatives, the Living Himalaya Network Initiative (LHI) has been established to drive transformative conservation impact across the Eastern Himalayan countries of Bhutan, India (North-East), and Nepal. The key objectives of LHI encompass adapting to climate change, establishing habitat connectivity, and ensuring the preservation of iconic species.
FAQs – INTERNATIONAL EFFORT TOWARD TIGER AND SNOW LEOPARD CONSERVATION
1-What is the Global Tiger Forum (GTF), and when was it established?
A: The GTF is an Inter-Governmental international body dedicated to tiger conservation, established in 1994 following the recommendation of the International Symposium on Tiger Conservation.
2-Where is the headquarters of the Global Tiger Forum located?
A: The headquarters of the Global Tiger Forum is in New Delhi.
3-How often does the General Assembly of the Global Tiger Forum convene, and what is its structure?
A: The General Assembly convenes every three years, utilizing cooperative policies, common approaches, and technical expertise.
4-What are the key missions and objectives of the Global Tiger Forum?
A: The GTF aims to provide global leadership for safeguarding tigers, their prey, and habitats. It promotes a worldwide campaign to save tigers, their prey, and habitats.
5-What is TX2, and what global commitment does it represent?
A: TX2 represents a global commitment to double the population of wild tigers by 2022. It was initiated by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in collaboration with the Global Tiger Initiative and Global Tiger Forum.
6-What is the St. Petersburg Declaration, and how does it relate to the Global Tiger Initiative?
A: The St. Petersburg Declaration (2010) outlines a comprehensive approach to tiger preservation. It endorsed the implementation mechanism known as the Global Tiger Recovery Program under the Global Tiger Initiative.
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