Every year on July 29, the world comes together to celebrate International Tiger Day, also known as Global Tiger Day. But it’s not just about admiring the beauty of this majestic big cat; it’s a powerful reminder of the urgent need to protect an endangered species that once roamed freely across much of Asia.
Why do we observe this day?
The origin of International Tiger Day dates back to 2010, during the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit in Russia, where 13 tiger-range countries came together with one common goal: to double the wild tiger population by 2022. This global commitment was a response to the alarming decline in tiger numbers, which had dropped to fewer than 3,200 in the wild at that time. The day was set to raise awareness, support conservation efforts, and promote global actions to save tigers and their habitats.
International Tiger Day 2025 theme
International Tiger Day has a unique theme and message every. The Global Tiger Forum will announce the theme for 2025. In previous years, the theme for International Tiger Day was "Save Tigers, Save Forests, Save Life" and "Roar for Tigers."
Significance of International Tiger Day
The significance of this day goes beyond just saving a species; it’s about maintaining the balance of ecosystems. As apex predators, tigers play a crucial role in keeping prey populations in check and ensuring the health of forests. Across the globe, International Tiger Day 2025 will be marked with awareness campaigns, wildlife documentaries, school activities, social media drives, and fundraisers led by conservation groups like WWF, Wildlife Trust of India, and Panthera.
In India, which is home to the largest population of wild tigers, sanctuaries and reserves often organise safaris, exhibitions, and educational programs to spread the message.