1. Habitat loss and fragmentation: Tigers require vast, contiguous areas of forest and grassland to thrive. As human populations grow, these habitats are being destroyed for agriculture, logging, and development, leaving tigers with shrinking territories and fewer prey animals.
2. Poaching and illegal wildlife trade: Tigers are poached for their body parts, especially their bones, which are used in traditional medicine in some cultures. This illegal trade drives demand and fuels poaching, leading to a significant decline in tiger numbers.
3. Human-wildlife conflict: As tiger habitats shrink, tigers increasingly come into contact with humans, leading to conflict. This can result in tigers being killed by humans in retaliation for livestock predation or out of fear.
These three threats are interconnected and work together to drive tiger populations towards extinction. Conservation efforts focus on protecting habitats, combating poaching, and reducing human-wildlife conflict to ensure the survival of these magnificent animals.