14 DAY TRIAL // Just 3,200 tigers currently inhabit the species' natural habitats across the world. 100 years ago, there were 100,000 of them. So, yes, there is no denying that this species has taken quite a hit.
The video above is the third of a five-part video series dubbed Stop Wildlife Crime that was released by the World Wildlife Fund in order to draw attention to poaching crisis now threatening the survival of many animal species.
It details how, although the destruction of their natural habitats has also contributed to the decline in the world's tiger population, poaching is by far the main reason why this species now risks going extinct.
“Poaching is the most immediate threat to wild tigers. In relentless demand, their parts are used for traditional medicine, folk remedies, and increasingly as a status symbol among wealthy Asians,” the World Wildlife Fund explains.
“And in recent years, live tiger cubs are being targeted to meet a rising demand for exotic pets,” the organization goes on to say.
The second video in the series details elephant poaching, and the fourth video focuses on rhino poaching.
The first and the fifth deal with wildlife trade facts and tell the story of rangers trying to protect the animals hunted by poachers, respectively.
The video above contains graphic images that might upset, so viewer discretion is recommended.