Too many forests of Asia are classed as ‘empty forests’ – the trees are there but the animals are gone
July 2012. WWF is urging tiger range governments to raise efforts to work towards Zero Poaching of tiger prey as well as tigers. With wild tiger numbers as low as 3,200, direct, targeted poaching of tigers is the most immediate danger for the species today. However, a serious contributing factor to the plight of the tiger is the widespread decline of its forest larder - the deer, wild pigs and wild cattle such as the Gaur.
Each tiger needs 1 deer per week to eat - Not possible in ‘Empty forests'
One tiger needs to eat the equivalent of a medium size deer every week to survive and without adequate food, the tiger population declines very fast. Too many forests of Asia are classed as ‘empty forests' - the trees are there but the animals are gone. Anti-poaching efforts therefore must be targeted at protecting both the tiger and its prey.
Poachers very often focus on tiger prey rather than tigers themselves. Prey animals are sought by local poachers to supply the local food market. Many of these prey species are also highly endangered and often neglected by conservation efforts. Yet, they can also benefit from the extra protection given to the tiger.
Not possible to meet tiger targets without prey
"Without protecting the tiger's prey from poaching and forest degradation, achieving the target of doubling wild tiger numbers by 2022 is impossible," said Mike Baltzer, Leader of WWF's Tigers Alive Initiative. "The survival of the prey is key to the survival of the tiger."
Continued: http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/tiger-prey.html#cr
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