Personal Experience: My Interest in Tigres

The prices of tiger pelts continue to go on the rise because “as the destruction of tigers decrease supply, the price of their parts rises further, creating even greater incentives for poachers to kill the remaining animals” (Linden). These innocent animals are in danger in both unsecure and secure places. Poachers will not hesitate to go into zoos and kill an animal. Recently, zoo veterinarian Eric Miller talked about an incident that happened in France. Miller said, “we were shocked last week by the news that a white rhinoceros was killed when poachers entered Thoiry Zoo” (“A Critical Time for Saving Rhino Species”). The prolonged war against poaching is not promising for the future of some animal species. Animals are being driven to endangerment and even close to extinction. A recent extinction in the wild happens to be the white rhino. In 1960 white rhinos numbered more than 2000, but now they are extinct in the wild (Miller). The few white rhinos that are alive, in the world, are kept in areas such as zoos.

Tigers are amazing creatures that have gone through several evolutionary changes from the beginning of their species. A modern day tiger is most recognizable for their pattern of dark vertical stripes on orange fur with a white underside. The largest modern day tiger in record was eleven feet tall and weighed 387 pounds. In the terms of science tigers are under the classification of roaring tigers and the scientific name of a tiger is Panthera tigris. But in order to learn about about the evolutionary changes of the tigers of today; it is important to look at the the core definition of evolution itself and the history of the adaptations that lead to the modern tiger. The adaptation of various ancestors shaped the outcome

In “The Stripes Will Survive” it states “ In 1981, the American Zoo and Aquarium association (AZA) started the Species Survival Plan (SSP) to make sure that threatened and endangered species don't disappear. The members of the Tiger SSP teach the public about the plight of tigers and do research. They keep a computerized family tree of zoo tigers that helps match males and females for breeding.” This shows that the AZA is taking big steps to make sure that tigers survive and breed.

Another frequent character is Chief Tiger, a Native American. They were taught to appreciate the land and animals, and respectively be conscientious of how much of each is needed for sustainability. Traditions passed down from their predecessors included that animals have the same right to the environment as people do. The Native Americans were apprehensive of how human interactions with the environment can have a negative impact. People tried to eradicate the Native American tribes by purchasing land and consequently barricading the natural vittles found in the surrounding environment.

This species lives in the eucalyptus forests of tasmania, although the tasmanian tiger can also live in other habitats besides the eucalyptus forest.

Tigers are a fascinating, and endangered, animal. They develop fast, and go off on their own when they’re mature. Tigers live in various climates, and eat various things as well. They are very strong, and have amazing energy. Not only are they magnificent to watch, but there are many interesting, and not well known, facts about them.

After viewing the documentary Paper Tigers, please answer the following questions. When possible, use scenes/examples from the documentary to support your answer.

There are many examples of iconic animals that we take for granted when it comes to thoughts of sharing our earth with them in the far future, but it is becoming more evident throughout the passing of time that this will no longer be true with current conditions. When it comes to animals becoming extinct not many people think that many recognized animals, besides the most talked about ones like Polar bears and Giant pandas, are at risk. One of these incredibly recognized endangered animals is the Orangutan. One of the most distinguished of the great apes, both of the subspecies of Orangutan are endangered; The Bornean and the Sumatran, with the Sumatran being declared as a critical species.

When Pi and Ravi’s father was telling them about staying away from tigers he said “Tigers are very dangerous. I want you to understand that you are never—under any circumstances—to touch a tiger, to pet a tiger, to put your hands through the bars of a cage, even to get close to a cage. Is that clear?” (37) This evidence indicates that

Today, contiguous distributions can be found throughout southern Asia, far east Russia, and the Sunda islands of Sumatra, and Java (figure 1). It is widely agreed that the evolutionary history and distribution of tigers and other fauna endemic to Asia is largely dominated by glacial cycles during the late Pleistocene epoch. An examination of environmental conditions during the late Pleistocene would assist in explaining the current distribution and the central point of origin of the species

Orangutans, endemic now only in the southeast rainforests of Asia, were once found throughout Asia (Campbell, C. J., 2011). Since 2001, there have only been two species of orangutan identified, the Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo abeli) and the Bornean Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) (Nater, A., et al. 2017). However, recent research, to be published later this month, has identified a new third species of orangutan, Pongo tapanuliensis. This species of orangutans, found south of Lake Toba, was once grouped with the Sumatran Orangutans, however, recent genetic testing has identified them as a completely different species from those orangutans found north of Lake Toba. Orangutans all face major issues in terms of numbers with all species marked as either endangered or critically endangered due to hunting pressure and habitat destruction. The palm oil industry has greatly

Known for being arboreal and endemic to the island of Sumatra, Indonesia, these primates is considered to be regenerators of Rainforests and contributes to biodiversity. Enlisted critically endangered by the National Primate Research Center, Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo abelii) and its Bornean relative (pongo pygmaeus) are nearing closely to being extinct. Looking closely at the evidence provided on Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo abelii), and on Willie Smits motivation to help these creatures, I would attempt to identify 5 extinction prone factors that lead to the small population of Orangutan and the effectiveness of the interventions done by Mr. Smits.

Tiger bones are supposed to cure arthritis, while pangolin and turtle shells are other classic remedies. Even the United State has seen the use of these treatments up close. Surprisingly, traces of tiger bone in medicine can be found in about 40% of small medicine stores (Congressional). However, not all consumers of a poached animals are seeking a healthier lifestyle. Some of the younger upperclass Chinese use tiger bone in products such as shampoo, wine, and soup as a declaration of their wealth. They buy expensive these products simply because they can afford to buy such expensive products. This certainly makes a statement, seeing that the bones of a Tiger can cost up to $7,000 in US dollars (Endangered). Nevertheless, the flaunting of status shouldn’t justify the murder of these elegant creatures. In the article “Endangered and in demand” the author explains:

1. From reading this summary of tiger ecology, what aspects of the tiger’s environment need to be recreated in a zoo environment?

Animals are meant to roam miles and miles every day. These animals are contained every hour of every day in small enclosures that prohibit the animals from following their basic instincts. Looking at the tigers, I could very clearly see how this was affecting the animals. The tigers’ whole body was round and looked like a balloon. Although it was an adorable sight, I immediately noticed that the tigers were so fat they would roll around on the ground instead of walking. I quickly stopped smiling when I realized just how miserable the tigers looked and