Leonardo DiCaprio this morning posted an optimistic message applauding Thailand’s wildlife conservation efforts for World Tiger Day.
The Hollywood A-lister, who’s poured money into philanthropic efforts, cited the Thai government’s “long-term” collaboration with the Wildlife Conservation Society for their numbers “roaring back” by 60% at a central wildlife sanctuary.
“As a result, tiger numbers in the sanctuary have risen dramatically, from 41 in 2010-11 to 66 today,” DiCaprio wrote of Uthai Thani province’s Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary.
“In addition, tigers moving beyond boundaries of the sanctuary are providing a foundation for a recovering population across the entire Western Forest Complex of Thailand, with benefits even spilling over across the border into the Taninthayi region of Myanmar. #GlobalTigerDay,” he continued. Global Tiger Day, which raises awareness for tiger conservation, was Monday.
The Western Forest Complex is one of the kingdom’s last refuges for tigers that, during the past few decades, have been chased from their natural habitats due to expansion of agriculture and development, according to the World Wildlife Fund. Poaching and wildlife trafficking have also contributed to the big cats’ depleting numbers. With only an estimated 189 remaining in the kingdom, Indochinese tigers – which are native to the region – are considered endangered by the IUCN Red list.
Out of the wild, many tigers are kept in captivity under unhealthy conditions.
DiCaprio, who has called tigers “some of the most vital and beloved animals on Earth,” first became known for helping protect them in 2010 when he lent his celebrity to a WWF “Save Tigers Now” campaign, which sought to double the world’s 3,200 tigers by 2022.
Related stories:
Officials see no problem at Phuket Zoo as tortured tiger rallies rage (Video)
Thai couple scales tree to escape massive tiger encountered in wildlife sanctuary (Video)
Miraculous! 18 wild endangered tigers seen on camera living and breeding in Khao Yai (Photos)
