Historically, fur was a primary driver:
* Luxury trade: Tiger fur was highly prized, especially in the past, for its beauty and rarity. This demand fueled poaching, leading to drastic population declines.
* Traditional medicine: In some cultures, tiger bones and other body parts are believed to have medicinal properties, further driving the trade.
Today, other factors are also at play:
* Habitat loss: Deforestation and human encroachment on tiger habitats are pushing them into conflict with humans, leading to retaliatory killings.
* Demand for body parts: The illegal trade in tiger parts continues, fueled by the belief in their medicinal value.
* Poaching for profit: The black market value of tiger parts is high, making poaching a lucrative crime.
It's important to note:
* Fur is no longer the main driver of tiger hunting. While it remains a factor, the demand for other body parts and the growing human-wildlife conflict are more significant threats.
* Tiger conservation efforts are ongoing to protect these majestic animals.
In conclusion, while tiger fur was historically a major reason for hunting, it's no longer the sole driver. The issue is more complex, involving a combination of factors like habitat loss, the illegal wildlife trade, and human-wildlife conflict.