As the top predator in its ecosystem, the tiger has inspired legends and become the identity of several countries around the world. But despite its beauty, the world's tiger population has experienced an alarming decline in recent decades.
The seven countries with the largest tiger populations are no exception. But here, governments and local communities are coming together and taking important steps to protect these iconic animals. In this article, we will explore the seven countries with the largest tiger populations in the world, in the hope that tiger populations will recover and they can continue to live as an important part of the earth's biodiversity.
India
The land of Bollywood is home to approximately 3167 tigers. No less than 75% of the world's tiger population lives here. In fact, since 2014, the number of tigers in India has increased by around 25%.
Russia
Russia ranks second with at least 480 wild tigers, according to the 2015 national tiger census.
Indonesia
Indonesia ranks third on the list of countries with the most tigers, with a population of 371 wild tigers, according to the latest IUCN estimates.
Nepal
There are an estimated 355 tigers in Nepal. This data comes from the country's 4th National Tiger and Prey Survey.
Thailand
Thailand has an estimated 148 to 149 wild tigers, according to the government's Wildlife Conservation Office.
Malaysia
The country has about 120 wild tigers, according to a survey conducted by WWF-Malaysia and the Malaysian Department of Forestry and National Parks.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh has about 106 tigers, according to the first systematic survey conducted in 2015. These tigers live mostly in the world's largest mangrove forest, the Sundarbans.
