Full History Of Tiger In Timeline From 1924

1924: Fossil species Panthera palaeosinensis described

In 1924, the fossil species Panthera palaeosinensis of early Pleistocene northern China was described as a possible tiger ancestor.

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

By 1925, an estimated 80,000 tigers were killed between 1875 and 1925.

1929: Reginald Innes Pocock placed the species in the genus Panthera

In 1929, Reginald Innes Pocock categorized the tiger within the genus Panthera, assigning it the scientific name Panthera tigris.

1935: Tiger attacks in the Sundarbans

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.

1938: International Tiger Studbook

Data from the International Tiger Studbook 1938–2018 indicate that captive tigers lived up to 19 years.

1952: Hunting the tiger banned in Russia

In 1952, hunting the tiger has been banned in Russia.

1969: Tiger protected in Bhutan

In Bhutan, the tiger has been protected since 1969 and enlisted as totally protected since 1995.

1972: Tiger afforded the highest protection level under India's Wild Life Act

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 India

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 under Malaysia's Protection of Wild Life Act

Since 1976, the tiger has been totally protected under Malaysia's Protection of Wild Life Act.

1977: Tiger hunting prohibited in China

In China, tiger hunting was prohibited in 1977, but the population continued to decline.

1986: Tiger listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List

Since 1986, the tiger has been listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

1988: Tiger habitat cleared in Peninsular Malaysia

During 1988–2012, 8,315.7 km of tiger habitat was cleared in Peninsular Malaysia, mostly for industrial plantations.

1990: Tiger protected in Indonesia

In Indonesia, the tiger has been protected since 1990.

1991: Surveys in Myanmar wildlife markets

Body parts of 207 tigers were detected during 21 surveys in 1991–2014 in two wildlife markets in Myanmar catering to customers in Thailand and China.

1993: Trade in tiger body parts banned in China

In China, the trade in tiger body parts was banned in 1993.

1995: Tiger protected in Bhutan

In Bhutan, the tiger has been protected since 1969 and enlisted as totally protected since 1995.

1999: Validity of several tiger subspecies was questioned

In 1999, the validity of several tiger subspecies was questioned due to distinctions based on fur length and colouration, striping patterns and body size of specimens in natural history museum collections. A proposal suggested recognizing only two valid tiger subspecies.

2000: Confiscations of tigers in 28 countries

During the years 2000–2022, at least 3,377 tigers were confiscated in 2,205 seizures in 28 countries; seizures encompassed 665 live and 654 dead individuals, 1,313 whole tiger skins, 16,214 body parts like bones, teeth, paws, claws, whiskers and 1.1 t of meat.

2001: Landscapes where tigers live declined

During 2001–2020, landscapes where tigers live declined from 1,025,488 km to 911,901 km.

2001: Seizure data from India during 2001–2021

Seizure data from India during 2001–2021 indicate that tiger skins were the most often traded body parts, followed by claws, bones and teeth; trafficking routes mainly passed through the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Assam.

2001: Tiger considered extinct in South China

Since 2001, the tiger is considered extinct in South China.

2003: Illegal tiger parts confiscated at US ports of entry

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 during a performance

In 2003, a tiger attacked Roy during a performance, ending the Siegfried & Roy act in Las Vegas.

2003: Myanmar's national tiger conservation strategy developed

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 a 2004 online poll, the tiger was voted the world's favourite animal with 21% of the vote.

2005: Classification of the tiger as of 2005

In 2005, a classification of the tiger was created, and then reflected again in 2017.

2005: Tiger reserves in India extirpated

Tiger populations in India have been targeted by poachers since the 1990s and were extirpated in two tiger reserves in 2005 and 2009.

2006: Recovery of India's tiger population

Between 2006 and 2018, these efforts contributed to the recovery of India's tiger population.

2006: Bhutan's first Tiger Action Plan implemented

Bhutan's first Tiger Action Plan implemented during 2006–2015 revolved around habitat conservation, human–wildlife conflict management, education and awareness.

2006: Tiger attacks in the Sundarbans

In 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: Bangladesh Tiger Action Plan initiated

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 are the most traded circus animals

In 2009, tigers were the most traded circus animals.

2009: Population density of tigers in northern Myanmar

In northern Myanmar, the population density in a sampled area of roughly 3,250 km (1,250 sq mi) in a mosaic of tropical broadleaf forest and grassland was estimated to be 0.21–0.44 tigers per 100 km (39 sq mi) as of 2009.

2009: Tiger reserves in India extirpated

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 revealed stable tiger population density

Camera trapping during 2010–2015 in the deciduous and subtropical pine forest of Jim Corbett National Park, northern India, 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 in Nepal

In 2010, anti-poaching operations were established in Nepal, involving increased cooperation and intelligence sharing between agencies.

2010: Malaysia's Wildlife Conservation Act enacted

Malaysia's Wildlife Conservation Act enacted in 2010 increased punishments for wildlife-related crimes.

2010: Thailand Tiger Action Plan ratified

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: Seizures in Nepal

Between January 2011 and December 2015, seizures in Nepal obtained 585 pieces of tiger body parts and two whole carcasses in 19 districts.

2011: Increase in anti-poaching efforts in Russia

During 2011, there were increases in anti-poaching patrol efforts in four Russian protected areas.

2012: Illegal tiger parts confiscated at US ports of entry

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

During 1988–2012, 8,315.7 km of tiger habitat was cleared in Peninsular Malaysia, mostly for industrial plantations.

2013: Protected areas in Thailand not harboured tigers since about 2013

In Thailand, four of 15 protected areas hosting tigers have not harboured tigers since about 2013.

2013: Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park possibly fell victim to indiscriminate snaring

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; this population likely fell victim to indiscriminate snaring.

2014: Surveys in Myanmar wildlife markets

Body parts of 207 tigers were detected during 21 surveys in 1991–2014 in two wildlife markets in Myanmar catering to customers in Thailand and China.

2014: Increase in anti-poaching efforts in Russia

During 2014, there were increases in anti-poaching patrol efforts in four Russian protected areas.

2014: Panthera zdanskyi suggested as a sister species of the modern tiger

In 2014, Panthera zdanskyi, which lived around the same time and place as Panthera palaeosinensis, was suggested to be a sister species of the modern tiger.

December 2015: Seizures in Nepal

Between January 2011 and December 2015, seizures in Nepal obtained 585 pieces of tiger body parts and two whole carcasses in 19 districts.

2015: Bhutan's first Tiger Action Plan implemented

Bhutan's first Tiger Action Plan implemented during 2006–2015 revolved around habitat conservation, human–wildlife conflict management, education and awareness.

2015: Camera trapping revealed stable tiger population density

Camera trapping during 2010–2015 in the deciduous and subtropical pine forest of Jim Corbett National Park, northern India, 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: Two-subspecies proposal was reaffirmed

In 2015, a comprehensive analysis of morphological, ecological and mitochondrial DNA traits reaffirmed the two-subspecies proposal.

2015: Decrease of poaching frequency in Taman Negara

In 2015, anti-poaching patrols in the 1,200 km large core area of Taman Negara lead to a decrease of poaching frequency from 34 detected incidents in 2015–2016 to 20 incidents during 2018–2019.

2016: Increased poaching rates with rising skin prices

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: Population density much lower in the adjacent Mae Wong and Khlong Lan National Parks

In 2016 Population density was much lower, estimated at only 0.359 tigers per 100 km (39 sq mi) in the adjacent Mae Wong and Khlong Lan National Parks

2016: Decrease of poaching frequency in Taman Negara

In 2016, anti-poaching patrols in the 1,200 km large core area of Taman Negara lead to a decrease of poaching frequency from 34 detected incidents in 2015–2016 to 20 incidents during 2018–2019.

March 2017: Activities of hunters discovered in southern Myanmar

Between March 2017 and January 2020, 630 activities of hunters using snares, drift nets, hunting platforms and hunting dogs were discovered in a reserve forest of about 1,000 km in southern Myanmar.

2017: Cat Classification Task Force revised felid taxonomy

In 2017, the Cat Classification Task Force of the IUCN Cat Specialist Group revised felid taxonomy in accordance with the 2015 two-subspecies proposal, recognizing only P. t. tigris and P. t. sondaica.

2017: Classification of the tiger as of 2005, reflected again in 2017

The classification recognised by the Cat Classification Task Force in 2017 reflected the classification of the tiger as of 2005.

2018: Tiger is the 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, these efforts contributed to the recovery of India's tiger population.

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 of six living tiger subspecies

In 2018, a whole-genome sequencing study of 32 samples from the six living putative subspecies found them to be distinct and separate clades.

2018: Decrease of poaching frequency in Taman Negara

In 2018, anti-poaching patrols in the 1,200 km large core area of Taman Negara lead to a decrease of poaching frequency from 34 detected incidents in 2015–2016 to 20 incidents during 2018–2019.

2019: China and Russia sign MOU 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 were declared to be moderate and serious crimes.

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: Activities of hunters discovered in southern Myanmar

Between March 2017 and January 2020, 630 activities of hunters using snares, drift nets, hunting platforms and hunting dogs were discovered in a reserve forest of about 1,000 km in southern Myanmar.

2020: India has the 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), followed by Russia with 195,819 km (75,606 sq mi).

2020: Landscapes where tigers live declined

During 2001–2020, landscapes where tigers live declined from 1,025,488 km to 911,901 km.

2020: Tiger population 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, 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.

2020: Strategic and action plan for the conservation of the Sumatran tiger

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: Results of 2018 study were corroborated

In 2021, the results of a 2018 whole-genome sequencing study were corroborated.

2021: Seizure data from India during 2001–2021

Seizure data from India during 2001–2021 indicate that tiger skins were the most often traded body parts, followed by claws, bones and teeth; trafficking routes mainly passed through the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Assam.

2022: Tiger inhabits less than 7% of its historical distribution

As of 2022, the tiger inhabits less than 7% of its historical distribution, with a scattered range in the Indian subcontinent, the Indochinese Peninsula, Sumatra, northeastern China, and the Russian Far East.

2022: Confiscations of tigers in 28 countries

During the years 2000–2022, at least 3,377 tigers were confiscated in 2,205 seizures in 28 countries; seizures encompassed 665 live and 654 dead individuals, 1,313 whole tiger skins, 16,214 body parts like bones, teeth, paws, claws, whiskers and 1.1 t of meat.

2022: Global tiger population estimated

In 2022, the global tiger population was estimated to be 3,726–5,578 individuals.

2022: Keeping of tigers banned in the US

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

2022: Tiger reserves established in India

Since the founding of the National Tiger Conservation Authority and Project Tiger, 53 tiger reserves covering an area of 75,796 km have been established in India up to 2022.

2022: Thailand Tiger Action Plan envisioned

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.

2023: Studies suggest Panthera zdanskyi a synonym of Panthera palaeosinensis

As of 2023, at least two studies considered P. zdanskyi likely to be a synonym of P. palaeosinensis, noting that its proposed differences from that species fell within the range of individual variation.

2023: Results of 2018 study were corroborated again

In 2023, the results of a 2018 whole-genome sequencing study were corroborated again. The Cat Specialist Group stated that the [subspecific] taxonomy of this species is currently under review by the IUCN SSC Cat Specialist Group due to varied data interpretations.

2023: Second Action Plan aimed at increasing tiger population

The second Action Plan aimed at increasing the country's tiger population by 20% until 2023 compared to 2015.

2025: Tiger reintroduction planned for Kazakhstan

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

2030: Strategic and action plan for the conservation of the Sumatran tiger

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.