Endangered Species Blog: Bengal Tigers

1. Bengal Tigers are one of the largest big cats in the world. They can be up to 3 meters long and weigh upwards 250 kgs. 

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3. Bengal Tigers are obligate carnivores meaning they eat meat however, they have been known to eat fruits and berries. They are the main predator of their area and are at the top of the food chain. 

4. Deforestation and the poaching from humans have caused their population decline. 

5. Because the Bengal tiger is the top apex predator in it's area, the impact if they went extinct would be catastrophic. When a key component of an ecosystem is removed, the entire ecosystem is affected, and when that key component is at the top or bottom, there could be cataclysmic repercussions. Tigers are known for eating all sorts of mammals such as wild boar, deer, monkeys, buffalo, and crocodiles. They have no natural predators so they are at the top of the food chain. Along with keeping the animals in check they also keep fruits and berries from getting out of control. If they were to become extinct there is no telling what species would take over and run wild. 

6. The Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act of 1994 protects both animals from being hunted and poached. With this act resources and money are allocated to service authorities to create and protect their environments along with research and education. There are several conservation organizations all over the world specifically dedicated to the protection of tigers and even more that help all kinds of animals including tigers. 

7. A geographer understands the physical aspects of earth and how human activity affects the environment. By knowing how the environment works and operates they can give their professional insight on how to accurate conserve the area while disturbing the ecosystem or environment. 

8. There are many ways to get involved in the conservation of tigers. The easiest way is to donate to already established programs such as 

- Panthera    - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance    - Carolina Tiger Rescue    - World Wildlife

- National Geographic Society    - Four Paws    - The Wild Animal Sanctuary    

- World Conservation Alliance    - Wildlife Conservation Society    - The Born Free Foundation

Along with donating money you can donate your time. There are several programs that focus on conservation or debilitation that you can sign up and help. Some of which are:

- GoEco    - One World 365    - Volunteer World    - Tiger World    - International Tiger Project

Another way that is easily attainable for everyone is to talk about the problems tigers are facing and spread the awareness that tigers are endangered. Social media spreads news faster than ever and it has become easier than ever to communicate with someone around the world. 

You could always start your own organization or volunteer program. 

Reaching out to local politicians to increase involvement in the conservation area and be more aggressive in their stance on poaching is a positive way for anyone to get involved.