Context: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has released the first-ever Green Status of Species Assessment for the tiger (Panthera tigris), classifying it as “Critically Depleted.”
This assessment highlights that while local conservation efforts have led to recovery in countries like India and Nepal, the global tiger range remains severely reduced — to less than 10% of its historical extent.
The study estimates that with sustained efforts, the global tiger population could rise to over 25,000 individuals within the next century.
About the IUCN Green Status of Species
- Launched in 2021, the IUCN Green Status complements the Red List by focusing on recovery progress rather than only extinction risk.
- It provides a “Green Score” (0–100%) reflecting how close a species is to full recovery across its range.
- The framework evaluates conservation success, dependence, and future potential, making it an optimistic and forward-looking tool for biodiversity recovery.
Key Aspects of Species Recovery
- Range Occupancy: Portion of historical range still occupied.
- Population Viability: Whether populations are self-sustaining and not at risk of extinction.
- Ecological Functionality: Extent to which species perform their natural ecological roles (e.g., predation, seed dispersal).
Green Status Recovery Categories
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Extinct in the Wild | Survives only in captivity |
| Critically Depleted | Persists in small, fragmented areas; fully dependent on conservation |
| Largely Depleted | Limited or localized recovery |
| Moderately Depleted | Partial recovery; major restoration needed |
| Slightly Depleted | Near full recovery |
| Fully Recovered | Restored to historic levels and functions naturally |
| Non-Depleted | Never faced major decline |
| Indeterminate | Data deficient for classification |
Conservation Impact Metrics
- Conservation Legacy: Gains from past efforts.
- Conservation Dependence: Deterioration risk if protection stops.
- Conservation Gain: Recovery expected within 10 years.
- Recovery Potential: Likelihood of full recovery in 100 years under optimal conditions.
Criteria for Full Recovery
To be deemed fully recovered, a species must:
- Reoccupy its historical range,
- Maintain viable and reproducing populations, and
- Resume ecological roles in all native ecosystems.
The Tiger’s Current Status
- IUCN Red List: Endangered
- Green Status: Critically Depleted
- Global Range: Native to Asia; now restricted to 13 countries.
- India’s Role: Supports over 70% of the global population (3,167 tigers) — a cornerstone of Project Tiger’s success.
Significance
- Shifts conservation focus from preventing extinction to achieving recovery.
- Recognises India’s pivotal role in global tiger survival.
- Reinforces global goals under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) — to restore species and ecosystems by 2030.