Hunting and poaching:
* Demand for tiger parts: Tiger bones, skin, and other body parts are used in traditional medicine (despite being scientifically ineffective) and for decorative items. This illegal trade drives poaching.
* Lack of enforcement: Effective anti-poaching measures are often lacking, and corruption can undermine conservation efforts.
* Habitat loss and fragmentation: Tigers need large, contiguous forests to survive. Human activities like deforestation, agriculture, and development have drastically reduced and fragmented their habitat.
* Prey depletion: Loss of prey animals, like deer and wild pigs, due to habitat loss and hunting also affects tiger populations.
* Human-wildlife conflict: As tiger habitat shrinks, they increasingly come into conflict with humans, leading to retaliation killings.
Other factors:
* Climate change: Climate change can alter tiger habitats and disrupt prey populations.
* Disease: Tigers are susceptible to diseases like canine distemper and rabies.
It's important to note that:
* Tiger extinction is not a done deal: There are ongoing efforts to conserve tigers in the wild. These include:
* Protected areas: Establishing and managing national parks and reserves to protect tiger habitat.
* Anti-poaching measures: Strengthening enforcement and combating the illegal trade in tiger parts.
* Community engagement: Working with local communities to address human-wildlife conflict and promote sustainable livelihoods.
* Conservation breeding: In some cases, captive breeding programs help bolster wild populations.
While hunting has played a significant role, it's only one part of the larger problem of tiger decline. To ensure the survival of these majestic animals, a comprehensive approach is needed to address all the factors contributing to their decline.