How many tigers are left in the world? The status of tiger populations.
Olivia MunsonOver the last century, tiger populations have significantly decreased due to various threats, including habitat loss and illegal poaching. Years ago, 100,000 wild tigers could be found across Asia.
But today, this number is drastically different. Nearly 97% of the world's tigers have been lost, according to the World Wildlife Fund.
These declines still continue. Here's what to know about tigers to protect their populations.
How many tigers are left in the world?
According to the WWF, there are approximately only 4,500 tigers left in the wild. However, some estimates put the number even lower.
Habitat loss is a major factor in the decline in wild tiger populations. Today, an estimated 95% of lands where tigers once lived are now gone due to human activity.
Another immediate threat to wild tigers is poaching, although some countries have limited resources for protecting areas where tigers live.
In captivity, there are estimates of over 8,000 tigers in Asia, with the majority in China. In the U.S., there are approximately 5,000 tigers in captivity.
How many elephants are left in the world?View population numbers
Where do pandas live? The giant panda and red panda habitat, plus other facts about the animals
Are tigers endangered?
Tigers are endangered and face high risks of extinction in the wild. Around a century ago, 100,000 wild tigers roamed freely across Asia. Now, only around 4% are left.
Several tiger subpopulations have become classified as extinct, including the Caspian Tiger and Bali Tiger.
Just curious?We're here to help answer life's everyday questions
Where do penguins live? Learn more about the habitats for several penguin species.
Where do tigers live?
Tigers can be found in a diverse range of habitats, from tropical rainforests to savannas, according to the WWF. Tigers' other habitats include evergreen forests, temperature forests, grasslands and mangrove swamps.
These big cats span from southeast Asia — in India, Nepal and Bhutan — up to the northeastern regions of the continent to China and Russia.
Where do tigers live? Here's what to know.
Where do lions live?What you need to know about the big cats' habitat.