About International Tiger Day

International Tiger Day was founded at the 2010 Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit, when tiger populations had crashed to historic lows. Observed on July 29th, it supports the goal of doubling wild tiger numbers. Thanks to conservation efforts, wild tiger counts have begun rising for the first time in a century — to roughly 5,600 — though poaching and habitat loss remain critical threats.

The Largest Cat on Earth

Tigers are the biggest of all cats — a male Siberian tiger can exceed 300 kg and 3 meters from nose to tail. Every tiger's stripe pattern is unique, like a human fingerprint, and the stripes mark the skin as well as the fur. Unusually for cats, tigers are strong swimmers that cross rivers and cool off in water willingly.

From 100,000 to 5,600

A century ago about 100,000 wild tigers roamed Asia; today roughly 5,600 remain, having lost more than 90% of their historic range. Three subspecies — the Bali, Caspian and Javan tigers — went extinct in the 20th century. Poaching for skins and traditional medicine, together with habitat loss, drove the collapse.

A Rare Conservation Success Story

International Tiger Day was founded at the 2010 St. Petersburg Tiger Summit, where 13 tiger-range countries set the 'TX2' goal of doubling wild tiger numbers. It is working: global counts have risen for the first time in a century, with India — home to about 75% of wild tigers — and Nepal leading the recovery. Nepal became the first country to actually double its tiger population.

When is International Tiger Day?

International Tiger Day is celebrated every year on July 29. Upcoming dates:

How to Celebrate International Tiger Day

• 🎯Learn one new fact about the cause behind International Tiger Day and share it.
• 💡Donate to or volunteer with an organization working on this issue year-round.
• 📣Post with #InternationalTigerDay to help the message travel further.

Official hashtag: #InternationalTigerDay

Frequently Asked Questions

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