Full History Of Tiger In Timeline From 1925

1925: Estimated tiger deaths

An estimated 80,000 tigers were killed between 1875 and 1925 due to hunting.

1935: Tiger attacks in the Sundarbans

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

1952: Hunting the tiger banned in Russia

In Russia, hunting the tiger has been banned since 1952, marking a significant step in tiger conservation efforts.

1969: Tiger protection in Bhutan

In Bhutan, the tiger has been protected since 1969 and enlisted as totally protected since 1995, highlighting Bhutan's commitment to tiger conservation.

1972: Highest protection level under India's Wild Life (Protection) Act

Since 1972, the tiger has been afforded the highest protection level under India's Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, demonstrating India's commitment to tiger conservation.

1973: Foundation of the National Tiger Conservation Authority and Project Tiger 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 protection in Nepal and Bangladesh

In Nepal and Bangladesh, the tiger has been protected since 1973, marking a crucial step in regional tiger conservation efforts.

1976: Total protection under Malaysia's Protection of Wild Life Act

Since 1976, the tiger has been totally protected under Malaysia's Protection of Wild Life Act, with increased punishments for wildlife-related crimes enacted in 2010 under the country's Wildlife Conservation Act, demonstrating Malaysia's dedication to protecting its tiger population.

1977: Prohibition of tiger hunting in China

In China, though tiger hunting was prohibited in 1977, the population continued to decline, illustrating the complex challenges in tiger conservation beyond legal protections.

1986: Tiger listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List

The tiger has been listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List since 1986, highlighting its vulnerable status and the need for conservation efforts.

1988: Clearing of tiger habitat in Peninsular Malaysia

During 1988–2012, 8,315.7 km (3,210.7 sq mi) of tiger habitat was cleared in Peninsular Malaysia, most of it for industrial plantations, contributing to habitat loss and fragmentation.

1990: Tiger protection in Indonesia

In Indonesia, the tiger has been protected since 1990, signifying Indonesia's commitment to conserving this endangered species.

1991: Detection of tiger body parts in wildlife markets in Myanmar

During 1991–2014, body parts of 207 tigers were detected during 21 surveys in two wildlife markets in Myanmar catering to customers in Thailand and China, highlighting the international demand for tiger products.

1993: Ban on trade in tiger body parts in China

In China, the trade in tiger body parts was banned in 1993, marking a significant effort to curb poaching and illegal trade of tiger products.

1995: Tiger enlisted as totally protected in Bhutan

In Bhutan, the tiger has been protected since 1969 and enlisted as totally protected since 1995, highlighting Bhutan's commitment to tiger conservation.

1999: Questioning the validity of tiger subspecies

In 1999, the validity of several tiger subspecies was questioned, with a proposal to recognize only two valid subspecies based on morphological differences. The traditional subspecies classifications, based on fur length, coloration, striping patterns, and body size from museum specimens, were deemed potentially unrepresentative of entire populations. This study challenges the existing taxonomic framework for tigers.

2000: Confiscation of tigers and their body parts

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; 759 seizures in India encompassed body parts of 893 tigers; and 403 seizures in Thailand involved mostly captive-bred tigers.

2001: Decline in tiger landscapes begins

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: Data from India indicate most traded body parts

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 extinction in South China

Tigers are considered extinct in South China since 2001, highlighting the severe impact of habitat fragmentation, hunting, and other threats on tiger populations.

2003: Confiscation of illegal tiger parts at US ports of entry

Between 2003 and 2012, a total of 292 illegal tiger parts were confiscated at US ports of entry from personal baggage, air cargo and mail, highlighting the global reach of the illegal tiger trade.

2003: Myanmar's national tiger conservation strategy

In 2003, Myanmar developed a national tiger conservation strategy that included habitat restoration, expansion of protected areas, protection of tiger prey, prevention of tiger killings, and promotion of public awareness through wildlife education.

2003: Tiger attack on Roy Horn

In 2003, the Siegfried & Roy act ended when a tiger attacked Roy during a performance.

2004: Tiger voted world's favorite animal

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

2005: Tiger extirpation in tiger reserves in India

Tiger populations in India have been targeted by poachers since the 1990s and were extirpated in two tiger reserves in 2005 and 2009, indicating the severe impact of poaching on local tiger populations.

2006: Recovery of India's tiger population begins

Between 2006 and 2018, conservation 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's first Tiger Action Plan

Bhutan implemented its first Tiger Action Plan during 2006 focusing on habitat conservation, human-wildlife conflict management, and education.

2006: Tiger attacks in the Sundarbans

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

2009: Low 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 a mosaic of tropical broadleaf forest and grassland in northern Myanmar was estimated to be 0.21–0.44 tigers per 100 km (39 sq mi).

2009: Bangladesh Tiger Action Plan

In 2009, the Bangladesh Tiger Action Plan was initiated to stabilize the tiger population, maintain habitat and prey, improve law enforcement, and foster governmental cooperation.

2009: Tigers traded as circus animals

In 2009, tigers were the most traded circus animals.

2009: Tiger extirpation in tiger reserves in India

Tiger populations in India have been targeted by poachers since the 1990s and were extirpated in two tiger reserves in 2005 and 2009, indicating the severe impact of poaching on local tiger populations.

2010: Stable tiger population density in Jim Corbett National Park

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: Thailand Tiger Action Plan and Indonesian National Tiger Recovery Program

In 2010, Thailand ratified its Tiger Action Plan aiming to increase tiger populations by 50% by 2022. The Indonesian National Tiger Recovery Program was also ratified in 2010 with the goal of increasing the Sumatran tiger population by 2022.

2010: Anti-poaching operations established in Nepal

In 2010, anti-poaching operations were established in Nepal, with increased cooperation and intelligence sharing, leading to "zero poaching" years and a doubled tiger population in a decade.

2010: Increased punishments for wildlife-related crimes in Malaysia

Since 1976, the tiger has been totally protected under Malaysia's Protection of Wild Life Act, with increased punishments for wildlife-related crimes enacted in 2010 under the country's Wildlife Conservation Act, demonstrating Malaysia's dedication to protecting its tiger population.

January 2011: Seizures of tiger body parts 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, demonstrating the persistent poaching and illegal trade of tiger products.

2011: Increased anti-poaching efforts in Russia

From 2011 to 2014, increased anti-poaching efforts in four Russian protected areas helped to reduce poaching, stabilize the tiger population, and improve protection of ungulate populations.

2012: Confiscation of illegal tiger parts at US ports of entry

Between 2003 and 2012, a total of 292 illegal tiger parts were confiscated at US ports of entry from personal baggage, air cargo and mail, highlighting the global reach of the illegal tiger trade.

2012: Clearing of tiger habitat in Peninsular Malaysia

During 1988–2012, 8,315.7 km (3,210.7 sq mi) of tiger habitat was cleared in Peninsular Malaysia, most of it for industrial plantations, contributing to habitat loss and fragmentation.

2013: Tiger absence in protected areas in Thailand

In Thailand, nine of 15 protected areas hosting tigers are isolated and fragmented; four of these have not harboured tigers since about 2013, indicating local extinctions.

2013: Absence of tigers in Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park, Laos

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: Detection of tiger body parts in wildlife markets in Myanmar

During 1991–2014, body parts of 207 tigers were detected during 21 surveys in two wildlife markets in Myanmar catering to customers in Thailand and China, highlighting the international demand for tiger products.

2014: Increased anti-poaching efforts in Russia

From 2011 to 2014, increased anti-poaching efforts in four Russian protected areas helped to reduce poaching, stabilize the tiger population, and improve protection of ungulate populations.

2014: Panthera zdanskyi suggested as a sister species

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 of tiger body parts 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, demonstrating the persistent poaching and illegal trade of tiger products.

2015: Decrease of poaching incidents in Malaysia

Anti-poaching patrols in Taman Negara lead to a decrease of poaching frequency from 34 detected incidents in 2015–2016 to 20 incidents during 2018–2019; the arrest of seven poaching teams and removal of snares facilitated the survival of three resident female tigers and at least 11 cubs.

2015: First Tiger Action Plan completed

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

2015: Stable tiger population density in Jim Corbett National Park

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: Reaffirmation of two-subspecies proposal

In 2015, a comprehensive analysis of morphological, ecological, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) traits reaffirmed the proposal to recognize only two tiger subspecies. This analysis supported the division of tigers into P. t. tigris in mainland Asia and P. t. sondaica in the Greater Sunda Islands.

2016: Decrease of poaching incidents in Malaysia

Anti-poaching patrols in Taman Negara lead to a decrease of poaching frequency from 34 detected incidents in 2015–2016 to 20 incidents during 2018–2019; the arrest of seven poaching teams and removal of snares facilitated the survival of three resident female tigers and at least 11 cubs.

2016: Increased tiger poaching rates in Sumatra

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, highlighting the economic incentives driving poaching activities.

2016: Low tiger population density in Mae Wong and Khlong Lan National Parks, Thailand

As of 2016, tiger population density was much lower in Mae Wong and Khlong Lan National Parks, Thailand, estimated at only 0.359 tigers per 100 km (39 sq mi), where logging and poaching had occurred during the 1970s and 1980s.

March 2017: Discovery of hunting activities in a reserve forest 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 (390 sq mi) in southern Myanmar, illustrating the ongoing threat of poaching.

2017: Felid taxonomy revision by the IUCN Cat Specialist Group

In 2017, the Cat Classification Task Force of the IUCN Cat Specialist Group revised felid taxonomy, aligning with the 2015 two-subspecies proposal. The revised taxonomy recognized only P. t. tigris and P. t. sondaica as valid tiger subspecies.

2017: Recognition of tiger classification by the Cat Classification Task Force

In 2017, the classification of the tiger as of 2005 was recognized by the Cat Classification Task Force. This recognition reflects an ongoing consensus on tiger classification during that time.

2018: Tiger found to be the most popular wild animal

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

2018: Decrease of poaching incidents in Malaysia

Anti-poaching patrols in Taman Negara lead to a decrease of poaching frequency from 34 detected incidents in 2015–2016 to 20 incidents during 2018–2019; the arrest of seven poaching teams and removal of snares facilitated the survival of three resident female tigers and at least 11 cubs.

2018: Recovery of India's tiger population continues

Between 2006 and 2018, conservation 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: Data from the International Tiger Studbook 1938–2018

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 six living putative tiger subspecies—Bengal, Malayan, Indochinese, South China, Siberian, and Sumatran—revealed them to be distinct and separate clades, challenging the two-subspecies classification.

2019: China and Russia transboundary cooperation

In 2019, China and Russia signed a memorandum of understanding for transboundary cooperation including 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.

2019: Enactment of Thai Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act

The Thai Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act was enacted in 2019 to combat poaching and trading of body parts, strengthening Thailand's commitment to tiger conservation and wildlife protection.

January 2020: Discovery of hunting activities in a reserve forest 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 (390 sq mi) in southern Myanmar, illustrating the ongoing threat of poaching.

January 2020: Tiger seizures between January 2020 and June 2025

Seizures between January 2020 and June 2025 comprised 573 tigers in 765 seizure incidents, including 313 tigers in India and 127 tigers in Indonesia.

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: Decline in tiger landscapes completed

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: Captive tiger population in the US

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

2020: Strategic and action plan for Sumatran tiger conservation

In 2020, 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.

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, exceeding the number of tigers in the wild.

2021: Corroboration of distinct tiger clades

In 2021, the results of the 2018 whole-genome sequencing study, which found distinct and separate clades among six living putative tiger subspecies, were corroborated, further supporting the genetic divergence among these populations.

2021: Data from India indicate most traded body parts

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: Estimated global tiger population

As of 2022, the global tiger population is estimated to be 3,726–5,578 individuals, indicating a continuous decline from the late 1990s.

2022: Tiger distribution limited to less than 7% of its historical range

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

2022: Confiscation of tigers and their body parts

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; 759 seizures in India encompassed body parts of 893 tigers; and 403 seizures in Thailand involved mostly captive-bred tigers.

2022: Ban on private keeping of tigers in the US

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

2022: Thailand and Indonesia Tiger Action Plan goal year

Thailand's 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. The Indonesian National Tiger Recovery Program ratified in 2010 aimed at increasing the Sumatran tiger population by 2022.

2022: Establishment of tiger reserves in India up to 2022

Up to 2022, 53 tiger reserves covering an area of 75,796 km (29,265 sq mi) have been established in India under the National Tiger Conservation Authority and Project Tiger, contributing to the conservation and expansion of tiger habitats.

2023: Conflicting evidence in tiger subspecies taxonomy

In 2023, a study found validity for all nine recent tiger subspecies, conflicting with the two-subspecies proposal. The Cat Specialist Group stated that the taxonomy of the tiger species is currently under review due to the varied interpretations of data, highlighting ongoing debate and research in this area.

2023: Studies suggest P. zdanskyi is a synonym of P. palaeosinensis

In 2023, at least two subsequent 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: Second Action Plan target year

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

June 2025: Tiger seizures between January 2020 and June 2025

Seizures between January 2020 and June 2025 comprised 573 tigers in 765 seizure incidents, including 313 tigers in India and 127 tigers in Indonesia.

2030: Sumatran tiger conservation target year

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.