World Tiger Day: 10 countries that are home to the world’s wild tigers
India
India leads globally with over 3,600 wild tigers. Protected reserves like Bandhavgarh, Kanha, and Sundarbans have made India the cornerstone of global tiger conservation and population recovery efforts.
Russia
Russia’s far East is home to the rare Amur (Siberian) tiger. With around 500 of them, conservation efforts in vast reserves like Zov Tigra have helped stabilise this subspecies.
Indonesia
Indonesia hosts the endangered Sumatran tiger, found only on Sumatra Island. Around 500 remain, facing threats from deforestation and poaching despite protective measures in national parks and rainforests.
Nepal
Nepal’s tiger population has nearly tripled in recent years, reaching over 350. Strong anti-poaching laws and protected areas like Chitwan and Bardia are key to its conservation success.
Thailand
Thailand is home to roughly 150 wild tigers, mainly the Indochinese subspecies. Sanctuaries like Huai Kha Khaeng are central to survival efforts, though threats from poaching persist.
Malaysia
Malaysia’s critically endangered Malayan tigers now number fewer than 150. Found in central forests and reserves, their survival depends on aggressive habitat protection and anti-poaching enforcement.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh shares the Sundarbans mangrove forest with India, housing about 100 Royal Bengal tigers. Conservation and community efforts are underway to reduce human-tiger conflicts in this fragile habitat.
Bhutan
Bhutan’s forests and mountains support around 130 wild tigers. Its high-altitude habitats and low human pressure offer natural protection, making it a vital corridor for regional tiger migration.
China
China’s wild tiger numbers are extremely low, under 50, mostly South China and Amur tigers. Conservation has shifted toward captive breeding and creating safe habitats for potential rewilding.
Myanmar
With an estimated 20–30 tigers, Myanmar’s dense forests remain understudied. Political instability and weak protections limit efforts, but the country still holds potential for future tiger recovery.
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