Global Tiger Day commonly called as International Tiger Day is an annual celebration across to raise awareness for tiger conservation. Initiated at the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit in 2010, every year, it is globally observed on July 29. With its distinctive orange and black stripes and a beautifully marked face, they are the largest of the world’s big cat. But sadly, its unique charm and sophisticated hunting techniques are seen not enough against shotguns and chainsaws, causes of the species drastic decline. To increase awareness and keep the roars of the jungle safe, individuals dedicated a day. Twitter is sharing severe numbers and participates urging everyone to protect the natural habitats of tigers on International Tiger Day, 2018.

The Tiger is with no doubts one of the world’s most charismatic and admired animals of all. The day aims to promote a global system for protecting the environments, the natural home of tigers and raise public awareness in support of tiger conservation issues. In the past few years, figures revealed the critical situation of this large feline. In 2010, at St. Petersburg Tiger Summit, leaders of 13 tiger range countries resolved to do more for the species and embarked on efforts to double its number in the wild by 2022. They came out with a popular slogan; TX2.

A beautiful sand art! 

According to World Wildlife Fund (WWF) global tiger report, a century ago, there may have been 100,000 tigers roaming freely on the planet. But by 2010, the world had lost over 95 per cent of the world’s wild tiger population because of rampant poaching and habitat loss. Shockingly, 3,200 of them were left.

Say no to poaching and deforestation! 

Tigers are believed to be one of the world’s most iconic species. Being part of the earth’s natural heritage, they have both cultural and historical significance. Experts suggest that tigers are an ‘umbrella species’ and their conservation also conserves many other species in the same area.

No two tigers have the same stripes just like human fingerprints. Save the great cat! 

WWF estimated in 2016; there were only 3,890 tigers left in the wild. However, the numbers exceeded than in 2010 which was 3,200, an increase made possible by more effective and far-sighted conservation actions. The last all-India census which occurred in 2014, the tiger numbers stood at 2,226, an increase from 1,706 in 2010.

A tiger's roar can be heard from up to two miles away. 

If we protect tigers, we are protecting our forests too which benefits us all. The 13 tiger range countries are Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand and Vietnam. It is an ecological imperative and much needed for our future. The battle is far from won; let us all stand together on this International Tiger Day and save out tigers before it is too late.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 29, 2018 12:57 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).