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recently released global tiger census indicates a significant rise in tiger populations in Asia and Russia, with India being the most successful nation in conserving the great predator. India, as the report indicates, is home to 70 percent of the global tiger population represented by the majestic subspecies, the Bengal tiger.

Heartiest congratulations to Indonesia for presenting a healthy Sumatran tiger population of 371 as revealed in the recent global tiger census report. While several other tiger habitats, particularly in Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos PDR) and China, have been showing serious decline in tiger numbers almost to the extent of extinction, the Indian subcontinent (India, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh) stand high above others.

The success of tiger conservation should encourage Indonesia to move ahead with conservation plans for other threatened species in the region, such as elephants, rhinos, the Javan leopard, the Sunda clouded leopard, different species of primates, bears, birds, etc.

Awareness for wildlife and forest conservation needs to be increased throughout Indonesia, which is rich in different species and natural resources. In spite of limitations of funding and other serious obstacles related to wildlife conservation, the nation must be commended for its successful efforts in conserving the rare tiger
subspecies.

Saikat Kumar Basu
Lethbridge, Canada