The royal Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) is a symbol of strength and resilience, revered across Asia for its majestic presence and ecological importance.
Recent discoveries in Bhutan have reignited hope for the survival of this endangered species, which continues to face mounting challenges.
A Remarkable Recovery
In a massive scientific effort spanning nearly a year, researchers surveyed over 26,000 square kilometers of Bhutan—about two-thirds of the country. Their goal? To identify and document living examples of the royal Bengal tiger. The results, announced last year, were nothing short of thrilling: Bhutan is now home to 131 tigers, a 27% increase since 2016.
This encouraging growth is credited to Bhutan’s conservation efforts, supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). With the world’s wild tiger population plummeting by 97% since the 20th century, this achievement is a testament to the importance of protecting critical habitats.
Why It’s Special
Tigers are not just magnificent predators but keystone species that maintain the balance of ecosystems:
Role in the Ecosystem: As apex predators, tigers regulate populations of wild ungulates such as sambar deer, which helps preserve vegetation and prevent overgrazing.
Biodiversity Conservation: Bhutan’s forests connect tiger populations in Nepal and northeast India, ensuring genetic diversity critical for the species' survival.
Bhutan’s commitment to conserving these big cats demonstrates the integral link between tigers and the health of the region’s ecosystems.
Challenges Facing Tigers
Despite positive news, the road to tiger recovery is fraught with obstacles:
Shrinking Habitats: Human activities such as logging, agriculture, and urban expansion have drastically reduced tiger habitats. This forces tigers into closer proximity to human settlements, increasing the risk of conflict.
Human-Tiger Conflict: In Bhutan, tigers have killed hundreds of them since 2016, affecting livelihoods. As prey populations dwindle, tigers turn to livestock, leading to economic hardship for farmers.
Climate Change: Rising temperatures and glacial retreat in Bhutan exacerbate habitat loss, pushing tigers into vulnerable positions.
Conservation Efforts
Bhutan has been proactive in addressing these issues through initiatives like the UNEP-supported Vanishing Treasures program. This program works to mitigate human-tiger conflicts and restore vital grasslands. Key measures include:
Establishing solar-powered electric fences to protect livestock and crops.
Reviving 93 hectares of grassland since 2019 to improve prey availability.
Promoting sustainable community pasturelands to support coexistence.
Global Implications
The royal Bengal tiger’s survival is emblematic of broader biodiversity challenges worldwide. With only 4,500 tigers left in the wild, concerted efforts are needed to prevent further losses. Bhutan’s success highlights the importance of global frameworks like the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to conserve 30% of land and sea by 2030.
The resurgence of the royal Bengal tiger in Bhutan offers hope for this iconic species and the ecosystems it protects. However, long-term survival requires balancing human needs with ecological preservation. So, Lykkers, by safeguarding these big cats, we not only appreciate their beauty and cultural significance but also secure the future of our planet’s biodiversity.
The Bengal Tiger
Video by Aegle Creations
