Study details world's tiger habitats

WASHINGTON, July 20 (UPI) -- The most comprehensive scientific study of tiger habitats ever conducted finds the big cats now occupy only 7 percent of their historic range.

The landmark study -- commissioned by the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation's "Save The Tiger" fund -- was conducted by scientists at the World Wildlife Fund, the Wildlife Conservation Society, and the Smithsonian's National Zoological Park.

The study found conservation efforts, such as protection from poaching, have resulted in some populations remaining stable and even increasing. But it concludes long-term success is only achieved when there is a broad landscape-level conservation vision.

"This report documents a low-water mark for tigers, and charts a way forward to reverse the tide," said John Robinson of the Wildlife Conservation Society. "We can save tigers forever. However, tiger conservation requires commitment from local partners, governments and international donors, along with effective, science-based conservation efforts to bring the species back to all parts of its biological range."