Through the partnership with many conservation organizations and under the leadership of the Lao Government, we believe that recovering the tiger population is possible.
As recently as the early 1980’s tigers reportedly roamed the outskirts of Vientiane around where the National University of Laos now stands.
Laos is one of 13 tiger range countries, containing ample tiger habitat but, like much of the tigers’ suitable habitat, it remains largely empty - with populations diminished largely due to hunting of prey species and of the tiger themselves.
The decline of tigers in Laos reminds us of the precarious situation of wildlife and of the urgent need to take action. However, with ample habitat comes ample opportunity, a hope of rewilding - hope to see tigers roaming the forests of Laos once more.
In concomitance to the celebration of the Lunar Year of the Tiger, 2022, WWF-Laos launched the new 5-Year Conservation Programme which includes the protection and recovery of the national and global priority species, including the recovery of tigers in Laos.
Through the partnership with many conservation organizations and under the leadership of the Lao Government, we believe that recovering the tiger population in Laos is possible.
On the occasion of the Chinese New Year, the year of the tiger, WWF Tigers Alive Initiative has also released a WWF’S IMPACT ON TIGER RECOVERY 2010 - 2022 REPORT, which spotlights both progress, and urgency for global tiger recovery.
Tigers are one of the most iconic species on the planet, yet they are more than just a beautiful animal. Reintroducing tigers not only benefits Laos's forests and wildlife but the people of Lao, too. As top predators, wild tigers play an important role in maintaining the harmony of the planet's ecosystems. By preying on herbivores, tigers help to keep the balance between the prey animals and the forest vegetation which they feed upon.
