On this Global Tiger Day, WWF-Laos reaffirms its support for the National Tiger Action Plan and the recovery of wild tiger populations in Laos. Efforts are underway to support the finalization of the National Tiger Recovery Action Plan (NTRAP) for 2025-2035, which will provide a comprehensive conservation strategy, including wild tiger population recovery and tiger farm management and trade. WWF-Laos is committed to supporting the organizational and technical aspects of the NTRAP consultation kick-off meeting later this year.
This year, on Global Tiger Day, the Royal Thai Government released a new national wild tiger population estimate of 179-223 individuals, up from the previous estimate of 148-189, making it the first Southeast Asian country to increase its wild tiger numbers. In light of this significant milestone from its neighbor, WWF-Laos reaffirms its strong commitment to tiger recovery in Laos as a tiger range state and vows to actively contribute to the Southeast Asia Tiger Recovery Plan.
Laos, one of 13 tiger range countries, has ample tiger habitat, but these habitats are being emptied of wildlife due to rampant snaring that plagues our forests. The decline of tigers and tiger prey species in Laos underscores the precarious state of wildlife and the urgent need for action. Yet, with abundant habitat comes the promise of rewilding and the hope of seeing tigers roam the forests of Laos once again if detrimental hunting practices can be eradicated and the loss of prey species reversed.
WWF-Laos is committed to wild tiger recovery in Nam Poui National Protected Area (Nam Poui NPA). The NPA is a prime location for tiger revival due to its strategic position on the western border of the country, its proximity to Thailand's breeding tiger population, and lower levels of industrial snaring and hunting. Nam Poui NPA is also being considered for ASEAN Heritage Park status, highlighting its regional conservation importance.
Recent progress in Nam Poui NPA includes improved protection of tiger prey species, removal of snares, increased patrolling, and strengthened protected area management. These efforts mark significant strides toward creating a safer and more sustainable habitat for tigers. WWF-Laos remains steadfast in its commitment to working with the Lao government and all stakeholders to ensure a thriving future for tigers in the wild.
WWF and other external parties are also working with the Government of Laos to develop a roadmap for tiger farm management. Recently, the Department of Forestry (DoF) signed a Letter of Agreement with the Save the Elephant Foundation (Thailand) on July 12 to sterilize, DNA test, and microchip tigers in all Lao farms and zoos. WWF stands ready to assist the Government in its efforts to inspect and manage tiger farms in order to protect captive and wild tiger populations in the region.
This year, on Global Tiger Day, the Royal Thai Government released a new national wild tiger population estimate of 179-223 individuals, up from the previous estimate of 148-189, making it the first Southeast Asian country to increase its wild tiger numbers. In light of this significant milestone from its neighbor, WWF-Laos reaffirms its strong commitment to tiger recovery in Laos as a tiger range state and vows to actively contribute to the Southeast Asia Tiger Recovery Plan.
Laos, one of 13 tiger range countries, has ample tiger habitat, but these habitats are being emptied of wildlife due to rampant snaring that plagues our forests. The decline of tigers and tiger prey species in Laos underscores the precarious state of wildlife and the urgent need for action. Yet, with abundant habitat comes the promise of rewilding and the hope of seeing tigers roam the forests of Laos once again if detrimental hunting practices can be eradicated and the loss of prey species reversed.
WWF-Laos is committed to wild tiger recovery in Nam Poui National Protected Area (Nam Poui NPA). The NPA is a prime location for tiger revival due to its strategic position on the western border of the country, its proximity to Thailand's breeding tiger population, and lower levels of industrial snaring and hunting. Nam Poui NPA is also being considered for ASEAN Heritage Park status, highlighting its regional conservation importance.
Recent progress in Nam Poui NPA includes improved protection of tiger prey species, removal of snares, increased patrolling, and strengthened protected area management. These efforts mark significant strides toward creating a safer and more sustainable habitat for tigers. WWF-Laos remains steadfast in its commitment to working with the Lao government and all stakeholders to ensure a thriving future for tigers in the wild.
WWF and other external parties are also working with the Government of Laos to develop a roadmap for tiger farm management. Recently, the Department of Forestry (DoF) signed a Letter of Agreement with the Save the Elephant Foundation (Thailand) on July 12 to sterilize, DNA test, and microchip tigers in all Lao farms and zoos. WWF stands ready to assist the Government in its efforts to inspect and manage tiger farms in order to protect captive and wild tiger populations in the region.
