History of Tiger in Timeline

The tiger is a large cat species (Panthera) native to Asia, characterized by a muscular build, distinctive orange fur with black stripes, a large head and paws, and a long tail. Traditionally, it's classified into nine subspecies, although some recognize only two main groups: mainland Asian tigers and those inhabiting the Sunda Islands.

1925: Estimated 80,000 tigers killed between 1875 and 1925

By 1925, an estimated 80,000 tigers were killed between 1875 and 1925, as they were hunted for trophies and due to their perceived danger.

1935: Tiger attacks in the Sundarbans

Beginning in 1935, tiger attacks in the Sundarbans caused 1,396 human deaths in the period 1935–2006 according to official records of the Bangladesh Forest Department.

2003: Tiger attack ends Siegfried & Roy act

In 2003, Siegfried & Roy's act ended when a tiger attacked Roy during a performance in Las Vegas.

2004: Tiger voted world's favourite animal

In 2004, the tiger was voted the world's favourite animal with 21% of the vote in an online poll involving more than 50,000 people from 73 countries, narrowly beating the dog.

2006: Tiger attacks in the Sundarbans

By 2006, tiger attacks in the Sundarbans caused 1,396 human deaths in the period 1935–2006 according to official records of the Bangladesh Forest Department.

2009: Tigers most traded circus animals

In 2009, tigers were the most traded circus animals.

2010: Anti-poaching operations established in Nepal

In 2010, anti-poaching operations were established in Nepal, with increased cooperation and intelligence sharing between agencies, leading to years of 'zero poaching' and doubling the tiger population in a decade.

2011: Increased anti-poaching patrol efforts

In 2011, anti-poaching patrol efforts were increased in four Russian protected areas, contributing to reducing poaching and stabilizing the tiger population.

2014: Increased anti-poaching patrol efforts

By 2014, increased anti-poaching patrol efforts in four Russian protected areas contributed to reducing poaching and stabilizing the tiger population.

2015: Decrease of poaching frequency in Taman Negara

In 2015, anti-poaching patrols in the core area of Taman Negara led to a decrease in poaching frequency.

2016: Decrease of poaching frequency in Taman Negara

In 2016, anti-poaching patrols in the core area of Taman Negara led to a decrease in poaching frequency.

2018: Tiger found to be most popular wild animal

A 2018 study found the tiger to be the most popular wild animal based on surveys, as well as appearances on websites of major zoos and posters of some animated movies.

2018: Decrease of poaching frequency in Taman Negara

In 2018, anti-poaching patrols in the core area of Taman Negara led to a decrease in poaching frequency.

2019: China and Russia signed memorandum for transboundary cooperation

In 2019, China and Russia signed a memorandum of understanding for transboundary cooperation between two protected areas, Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park and Land of the Leopard National Park, that includes the creation of wildlife corridors and bilateral monitoring and patrolling along the Sino-Russian border.

2019: Poaching declared a serious crime

In 2019, poaching and trafficking of tigers were declared to be moderate and serious crimes.

2020: Tiger populations in the United States

In 2020, only 6% of the captive tiger population in the United States were being housed in zoos and other facilities approved by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

2020: Captive tiger populations in Asia, the US, and Europe

In 2020, there were over 8,000 captive tigers in Asia, over 5,000 in the US, and no less than 850 in Europe, with more tigers in captivity than in the wild.

2022: Ban on keeping tigers and other big cats by private people in the US

In 2022, the keeping of tigers and other big cats by private people was banned in the US.

2025: Tiger reintroduction planned in Kazakhstan

In Kazakhstan, habitat restoration and reintroduction of prey species in Ile-Balkash Nature Reserve have progressed, and tiger reintroduction is planned for 2025.