History of Tiger in Timeline
The tiger is a large, powerful cat belonging to the genus Panthera, native to Asia. It is characterized by its distinctive orange fur with black stripes, a muscular body, and large paws. Traditionally, nine subspecies have been recognized, although some classifications simplify this into two groups: mainland Asian tigers and the Sunda Islands tigers.
1924: Panthera palaeosinensis discovered
In 1924, the fossil species Panthera palaeosinensis of early Pleistocene northern China was discovered and described as a possible tiger ancestor.
1925: Estimated 80,000 Tigers Killed
By 1925, an estimated 80,000 tigers were killed between 1875 and 1925, due to hunting for trophies and perceived danger.
1929: Pocock places tiger in Panthera genus
In 1929, Reginald Innes Pocock classified the tiger within the genus Panthera, giving it the scientific name Panthera tigris.
1935: Tiger Attacks in the Sundarbans
Beginning in 1935 and continuing to 2006, tiger attacks in the Sundarbans caused 1,396 human deaths, according to official records.
1938: International Tiger Studbook
Data from the International Tiger Studbook 1938–2018 indicate that captive tigers lived up to 19 years.
1952: Tiger hunting banned in Russia
In Russia, hunting the tiger has been banned since 1952.
1969: Tiger protected in Bhutan
In Bhutan, the tiger has been protected since 1969.
1972: Tiger afforded highest protection in India
Since 1972, the tiger has been afforded the highest protection level under India's Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
1973: National Tiger Conservation Authority and Project Tiger founded
In 1973, the National Tiger Conservation Authority and Project Tiger were founded in India to gain public support for tiger conservation.
1973: Tiger protected in Nepal and Bangladesh
In Nepal and Bangladesh, the tiger has been protected since 1973.
1976: Tiger totally protected in Malaysia
Since 1976, the tiger has been totally protected under Malaysia's Protection of Wild Life Act.
1977: Tiger hunting prohibited in China
Though tiger hunting was prohibited in China in 1977, the population continued to decline.
1986: Tiger listed as Endangered on IUCN Red List
Since 1986, the tiger has been listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
1988: Tiger habitat cleared
In Peninsular Malaysia, 8,315.7 km (3,210.7 sq mi) of tiger habitat was cleared during 1988–2012.
1990: Tiger protected in Indonesia
In Indonesia, the tiger has been protected since 1990.
1993: Trade in tiger body parts banned in China
In China, the trade in tiger body parts was banned in 1993.
1995: Tiger enlisted as totally protected in Bhutan
In Bhutan, the tiger has been enlisted as totally protected since 1995.
1999: Validity of tiger subspecies questioned
In 1999, the validity of several tiger subspecies was questioned due to distinctions based on fur length, coloration, striping patterns, and body size of specimens in natural history museum collections.
2000: Tigers confiscated in 28 countries
During the years 2000–2022, at least 3,377 tigers were confiscated in 2,205 seizures in 28 countries.
2001: Tiger landscapes declining
During 2001–2020, landscapes where tigers live declined from 1,025,488 km (395,943 sq mi) to 911,901 km (352,087 sq mi).
2001: Tiger skins traded
Seizure data from India during 2001–2021 indicate that tiger skins were the most often traded body parts.
2001: Tiger extinct in South China
Tigers are considered extinct in South China since 2001.
2003: Illegal tiger parts confiscated at US ports
A total of 292 illegal tiger parts were confiscated at US ports of entry from personal baggage, air cargo and mail between 2003 and 2012.
2003: Tiger Attacks Roy
In 2003, Siegfried & Roy's act ended when a tiger attacked Roy during a performance.
2003: Myanmar develops national tiger conservation strategy
Myanmar's national tiger conservation strategy developed in 2003 comprises management tasks such as restoration of degraded habitats, increasing the extent of protected areas and wildlife corridors, protecting tiger prey species, thwarting tiger killing and illegal trade of its body parts and promoting public awareness through wildlife education programmes.
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.
2005: Tiger classification
As of 2005, tiger classification used as the basis for tables.
2005: Tigers extirpated in tiger reserves
Tiger populations in India have been targeted by poachers since the 1990s and were extirpated in two tiger reserves in 2005 and 2009.
2006: Tiger Attacks in the Sundarbans
Between 1935 and 2006, tiger attacks in the Sundarbans caused 1,396 human deaths, according to official records.
2006: Recovery of India's tiger population
Between 2006 and 2018, efforts contributed to the recovery of India's tiger population so that it occurs in an area of about 138,200 km (53,400 sq mi).
2006: Bhutan implements first Tiger Action Plan
Bhutan's first Tiger Action Plan implemented during 2006–2015 revolved around habitat conservation, human–wildlife conflict management, education and awareness.
2009: Tiger population density in northern Myanmar
As of 2009, the population density in a sampled area of roughly 3,250 km (1,250 sq mi) in northern Myanmar was estimated to be 0.21–0.44 tigers per 100 km (39 sq mi).
2009: Bangladesh initiates Tiger Action Plan
In 2009, the Bangladesh Tiger Action Plan was initiated to stabilise the country's tiger population, maintain habitat and a sufficient prey base, improve law enforcement and foster cooperation between governmental agencies responsible for tiger conservation.
2009: Tigers Most Traded Circus Animals
In 2009, tigers were the most traded circus animals.
2009: Tigers extirpated in tiger reserves
Tiger populations in India have been targeted by poachers since the 1990s and were extirpated in two tiger reserves in 2005 and 2009.
2010: Camera trapping reveals stable tiger population density
During 2010–2015 camera trapping in Jim Corbett National Park revealed a stable tiger population density of 12–17 individuals per 100 km (39 sq mi) in an area of 521 km (201 sq mi).
2010: Anti-Poaching Operations Established in Nepal
In 2010, anti-poaching operations were established in Nepal, marked by increased cooperation and intelligence sharing between agencies, contributing to the conservation of tigers.
2010: Malaysia increases punishments for wildlife crimes
Malaysia's Wildlife Conservation Act enacted in 2010 increased punishments for wildlife-related crimes.
2010: Thailand ratifies Tiger Action Plan
The Thailand Tiger Action Plan ratified in 2010 envisioned increasing the country's tiger populations by 50% in the Western Forest Complex and Dong Phayayen–Khao Yai Forest Complex and reestablish populations in three potential landscapes until 2022.
January 2011: Tiger body parts seized
In Nepal, between January 2011 and December 2015, seizure data obtained 585 pieces of tiger body parts and two whole carcasses in 19 districts.
2011: Anti-Poaching Efforts Increase
From 2011 to 2014, there was an increase in anti-poaching patrol efforts in four Russian protected areas.
2012: Illegal tiger parts confiscated at US ports
A total of 292 illegal tiger parts were confiscated at US ports of entry from personal baggage, air cargo and mail between 2003 and 2012.
2012: Tiger habitat cleared
In Peninsular Malaysia, 8,315.7 km (3,210.7 sq mi) of tiger habitat was cleared during 1988–2012.
2013: Protected areas in Thailand lacking tigers
In Thailand, four of 15 protected areas hosting tigers have not harboured tigers since about 2013.
2013: No tigers recorded in Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park since 2013
Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park was considered the last important site for the tiger in Laos, but it has not been recorded there at least since 2013.
2014: Anti-Poaching Efforts Increase
From 2011 to 2014, there was an increase in anti-poaching patrol efforts in four Russian protected areas.
2014: Panthera zdanskyi suggested as sister species
In 2014, Panthera zdanskyi was suggested to be a sister species of the modern tiger.
December 2015: Tiger body parts seized
In Nepal, between January 2011 and December 2015, seizure data obtained 585 pieces of tiger body parts and two whole carcasses in 19 districts.
2015: Bhutan implements first Tiger Action Plan
Bhutan's first Tiger Action Plan implemented during 2006–2015 revolved around habitat conservation, human–wildlife conflict management, education and awareness.
2015: Camera trapping reveals stable tiger population density
During 2010–2015 camera trapping in Jim Corbett National Park revealed a stable tiger population density of 12–17 individuals per 100 km (39 sq mi) in an area of 521 km (201 sq mi).
2015: Poaching Incidents Detected in Taman Negara
In 2015, 34 poaching incidents were detected in Taman Negara, Malaysia before the establishment of anti-poaching patrols.
2015: Two-subspecies proposal reaffirmed
In 2015, a comprehensive analysis of morphological, ecological and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) traits reaffirmed the two-subspecies proposal for tigers.
2016: Annual poaching rates increase
Anti-poaching units in Sumatra's Kerinci Seblat landscape removed 362 tiger snare traps and seized 91 tiger skins during 2005–2016; annual poaching rates increased with rising skin prices.
2016: Lower tiger population density in Mae Wong and Khlong Lan National Parks
As of 2016, population density was much lower in Mae Wong and Khlong Lan National Parks, estimated at only 0.359 tigers per 100 km (39 sq mi).
2016: Poaching Incidents Detected in Taman Negara
In 2016, 34 poaching incidents were detected in Taman Negara, Malaysia before the establishment of anti-poaching patrols.
March 2017: Hunter activities discovered in Myanmar reserve
Between March 2017 and January 2020, 630 hunter activities were discovered in a reserve forest of about 1,000 km (390 sq mi) in southern Myanmar.
2017: Cat Classification Task Force recognizes two tiger subspecies
In 2017, the Cat Classification Task Force of the IUCN Cat Specialist Group revised felid taxonomy and recognised only two tiger subspecies.
2017: Tiger classification recognized by Cat Classification Task Force
In 2017, the Cat Classification Task Force recognized the current classification of the tiger.
2018: Tiger 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: Recovery of India's tiger population
Between 2006 and 2018, efforts contributed to the recovery of India's tiger population so that it occurs in an area of about 138,200 km (53,400 sq mi).
2018: Poaching Incidents Decreased in Taman Negara
By 2018, anti-poaching patrols in Taman Negara led to a decrease in poaching incidents to 20, along with the arrest of poaching teams and removal of snares, aiding tiger survival.
2018: International Tiger Studbook
Data from the International Tiger Studbook 1938–2018 indicate that captive tigers lived up to 19 years.
2018: Whole-genome sequencing study reveals distinct tiger clades
In 2018, a whole-genome sequencing study of 32 samples from the six living putative subspecies of tigers found them to be distinct and separate clades.
2019: Poaching Declared a Serious Crime
In 2019, poaching and trafficking were declared to be moderate and serious crimes, increasing the legal consequences for these activities.
2019: Thai Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act enacted
The Thai Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act was enacted in 2019 to combat poaching and trading of body parts.
January 2020: Hunter activities discovered in Myanmar reserve
Between March 2017 and January 2020, 630 hunter activities were discovered in a reserve forest of about 1,000 km (390 sq mi) in southern Myanmar.
2020: Largest extent of global tiger habitat
As of 2020, India had the largest extent of global tiger habitat with 300,508 km (116,027 sq mi).
2020: Tiger landscapes declining
During 2001–2020, landscapes where tigers live declined from 1,025,488 km (395,943 sq mi) to 911,901 km (352,087 sq mi).
2020: Tiger Population in US Zoos
In 2020, only 6% of the captive tiger population in the United States was 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, the captive tiger populations were over 8,000 in Asia, over 5,000 in the US, and no less than 850 in Europe.
2020: Third strategic and action plan
The third strategic and action plan for the conservation of the Sumatran tiger for the years 2020–2030 revolves around strengthening management of small tiger population units of less than 20 mature individuals and connectivity between 13 forest patches in North Sumatra and West Sumatra provinces.
2021: Genomic study results corroborated
In 2021, the results of a 2018 whole-genome sequencing study of tiger subspecies were corroborated.
2021: Tiger skins traded
Seizure data from India during 2001–2021 indicate that tiger skins were the most often traded body parts.
2022: Estimated tiger population
As of 2022, the global tiger population is estimated to be 3,726–5,578 individuals.
2022: Tiger historical distribution
As of 2022, the tiger inhabits less than 7% of its historical distribution.
2022: Tigers confiscated in 28 countries
During the years 2000–2022, at least 3,377 tigers were confiscated in 2,205 seizures in 28 countries.
2022: Private Tiger Ownership Banned in the US
In 2022, the keeping of tigers and other big cats by private people was banned in the US.
2022: Thailand ratifies Tiger Action Plan
The Thailand Tiger Action Plan ratified in 2010 envisioned increasing the country's tiger populations by 50% in the Western Forest Complex and Dong Phayayen–Khao Yai Forest Complex and reestablish populations in three potential landscapes until 2022.
2022: 53 tiger reserves established in India
Up to 2022, 53 tiger reserves covering an area of 75,796 km (29,265 sq mi) have been established in India.
2023: P. zdanskyi likely synonym of P. palaeosinensis
As of 2023, at least two subsequent studies considered P. zdanskyi likely to be a synonym of P. palaeosinensis.
2023: Bhutan's second Action Plan aims to increase tiger population
Bhutan's second Action Plan aimed at increasing the country's tiger population by 20% until 2023 compared to 2015.
2023: Genomic study results corroborated
In 2023, the results of a 2018 whole-genome sequencing study of tiger subspecies were corroborated.
2025: Tiger Reintroduction Planned in Kazakhstan
In Kazakhstan, tiger reintroduction is planned for 2025 in Ile-Balkash Nature Reserve, following habitat restoration and reintroduction of prey species.
2030: Third strategic and action plan
The third strategic and action plan for the conservation of the Sumatran tiger for the years 2020–2030 revolves around strengthening management of small tiger population units of less than 20 mature individuals and connectivity between 13 forest patches in North Sumatra and West Sumatra provinces.
