WHAT’S THE MOST AT-RISK SPECIES IN THE WORLD?
The tiger is among the most at-risk species on the planet. Studies suggest that there may be just 3,900 wild tigers left in the world. Tigers are the largest of Asia’s big cats. They’re hunted and traded illegally for their pelts, bones and even their heads. In several countries, such as Indonesia, tigers are protected by law in an effort to prevent such illegal trade, and yet still more needs to be done to protect this majestic creature and its habitat.
By the end of the 20th century, Bali, Javan and Caspian tigers were all extinct. The six remaining subspecies – Amur, Bengal, Indo-chinese, Malayan, South China and Sumatran – are all at risk of the same fate through poaching, illegal trading and loss of habitat.