NINE species of tigers live in 13 countries around the world, in cluding the critically endangered Bengal tiger in Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary in Northern Myanmar and the Indonesian tiger in Taninthayi Reserved Forest in Southern Myanmar.
“It is a source of pride for the country that two tiger species, which are endangered worldwide, are alive and well in the Southern and Northern parts of Myanmar. These rare species are invaluable wildlife for the country. While other countries have bred these species in captivity, the fact that they are naturally found in Myanmar’s protected forests and mountains demonstrates the richness of our biodiversity and ecosystems. Therefore, we must continue to work together to conserve and educate about these tiger species to prevent their extinction. We estimate that there are about 22 Bengal tigers roaming in the Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary,” said sanctuary warden U Win Hlaing. Taninthayi Reserved Forest, a tropical monsoon rain forest rich in biodiversity, is home to Indonesian tigers, which were identified through camera traps and are slightly smaller and more colourful than Bengal tigers.
“Tiger species are found in 13 countries worldwide, but in some Southeast Asian countries, they are disappearing. In Myanmar, efforts are underway to preserve tiger population and ensure the survival and prosperity of other biodiversity. Across the country’s forests, only 10 percent of the tiger population in their roaming areas can be found in nature reserves such as Hukawng, Htamanthi, and Taninthayi. According to the National Tiger Action Plan, more than 20 Indonesian tigers survive in the Taninthayi Reserved Forest, with their presence documented through camera traps up to 2024. Community-wide cooperation is essential to combat poaching and the illegal trade of ivory and tiger skins,” said U Nyein Aung, a staff officer of the Taninthayi Reserved Forest. Three-quarters of the world’s tiger population lives in India and Bangladesh, and wildlife experts estimate that about 100 Bengal tigers roam the 10,000-square-kilometre Sundarbans forest, which spans both countries. In line with the slogan ‘Tiger Times Two,’ Myanmar is developing and implementing a national tiger conservation plan to double the global tiger population. Ac cording to a World Bank study, Myanmar could have between 35 and 70 tigers by 2022. On 21 November 2010, Russian President Vladimir Putin and World Bank President Robert Zoellick co-chaired the ‘International Tiger Conservation Forum’ in St Petersburg, Russia. Nine species of tigers are known to inhabit Myanmar, Russia, India, China, Bangladesh, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Bhutan, Nepal, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
