The tiger is not just a charismatic species or just another wild animal living in a faraway forest. The tiger is a unique animal that plays a pivotal role in the health and diversity of an ecosystem. It is a top predator that is at the apex of the food chain and keeps the population of wild ungulates in check, thereby maintaining the balance between herbivores and the vegetation upon which they feed.
So, the presence of tigers in the forest is an indicator of the well being of the ecosystem. The extinction of this top predator indicates that its ecosystem is not sufficiently protected, and neither would it exist for long thereafter.
If the tigers go extinct, the entire system would collapse. For instance, when the Dodos went extinct in Mauritius, one species of the acacia tree stopped regenerating completely. So, when a species goes extinct, it leaves behind a scar, which affects the entire ecosystem. Another reason why we need to save the tiger is that our forests are water catchment areas.
Therefore, it’s not just about saving a beautiful animal. It is about making sure that our well being is maintained as the forests are known to provide ecological services like clean air, water, pollination, temperature regulation, etc.
From ‘Why Should We Save Tigers?’, World Wide Fund for Nature-India
