Top 10 Countries Where Tigers Still Thrive

Tigers (Panthera tigris) are among the world’s most iconic species, yet they remain endangered across much of their range. A century ago, over 100,000 tigers roamed Asia. Today, fewer than 6,000 survive in the wild. Despite these challenges, several countries continue to protect and restore tiger populations through conservation programs, anti-poaching enforcement, protected habitats, and community engagement.

Below are the top 10 countries where tigers still survive and show signs of recovery. Each country plays a unique role in safeguarding the future of this remarkable big cat.

1. India – The World’s Stronghold for Tigers

India is home to the largest population of wild tigers on Earth, with more than half of the world’s total.
Key reasons for their success include:

• Extensive protected areas like Jim Corbett, Bandhavgarh, and Sundarbans
• Community-based conservation
• Strong legal protections and improved monitoring

India remains the heart of global tiger conservation.

2. Nepal – A Conservation Success Story

Nepal has nearly doubled its tiger population in the last decade, thanks to:

• Strict anti-poaching patrols
• Involving local communities in conservation
• Maintaining wildlife corridors with India

Chitwan and Bardiya National Parks are major strongholds.

3. Bhutan – A Safe Haven in the Himalayas

Bhutan hosts tigers at high elevations, up to 4,000 meters.
The country’s commitment to:

• Forest protection
• Low carbon development
• Habitat connectivity
  helps tigers thrive in one of the world’s most pristine landscapes.

4. Bangladesh – The Home of the Sundarbans Tiger

The mangrove forests of the Sundarbans—shared with India—are home to an important population of tigers adapted to swampy, tidal environments.
Conservation focuses on protecting:

• Coastal forests
• Local livelihoods
• Human–tiger conflict reduction

5. Russia – Stronghold of the Amur Tiger

Russia protects the Amur (Siberian) tiger, found in the country’s Far East.
Their survival is supported by:

• Strict anti-poaching laws
• Large, continuous forests
• Cross-border conservation with China

Russia’s tiger population has stabilized and is slowly increasing.

6. China – A Growing Tiger Comeback

China has made major progress by:

• Recovering forests
• Reducing poaching
• Creating the vast Northeast Tiger and Leopard National Park

The number of wild Amur tigers is rising along the border with Russia.

7. Indonesia – Last Refuge of the Critically Endangered Sumatran Tiger

Indonesia is home to the Sumatran tiger, the last surviving tiger species in the region after the extinction of the Javan and Bali tigers.
Major habitats include:

• Gunung Leuser
• Kerinci Seblat
• Bukit Barisan Selatan

Though critically endangered, strong conservation efforts continue.

8. Malaysia – Protecting Tigers in the Rainforest

Malaysia’s tigers live mainly in Peninsular Malaysia.
Current conservation focuses on:

• Protecting forest reserves
• Strengthening anti-poaching units
• Expanding ecological corridors

Malaysia’s tiger population has declined, but efforts to reverse the trend are ongoing.

9. Thailand – Southeast Asia’s Tiger Conservation Leader

Thailand hosts one of the region’s healthiest tiger populations in:

• The Western Forest Complex (Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary)
• Dong Phayayen–Khao Yai Forest Complex

Strong patrols and habitat protection have helped stabilize tiger numbers.

10. Myanmar – A Country with Tiger Potential

Although Myanmar’s tiger population is small and difficult to monitor due to remote forests, the country still has:

• Large stretches of intact habitat
• Ongoing research in protected areas like Hukaung Valley

With long-term conservation support, Myanmar could become a future refuge for tigers.

Why These Countries Matter

Together, these 10 countries form the core of global tiger conservation. Their success not only protects a single species but also safeguards entire ecosystems. Tigers are umbrella species, meaning protecting them also protects countless plants and animals that live in the same habitat.

By conserving tigers, these countries help preserve:

• Forests
• Watersheds
• Local communities’ livelihoods
• Biodiversity across Asia

Their combined efforts offer hope that wild tigers can continue to recover.

References

1. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
   Panthera tigris – Red List Assessment.
   Provides global conservation status, population trends, and distribution information for all tiger subspecies.
2. World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
   Tx2 Tiger Recovery Program.
   Offers updated data on tiger populations in Asia, conservation actions, and country-level progress.
3. Global Tiger Forum (GTF).
   Status of Tigers in 13 Tiger Range Countries.
   A key international body that tracks tiger numbers, threats, protected areas, and recovery strategies.
4. Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).
   Tiger Conservation Updates and Country Reports.
   Includes monitoring results, habitat protection progress, and anti-poaching initiatives.
5. Panthera (Wild Cat Conservation Organization).
   Tiger Range and Conservation Strategies.
   Provides science-based insights into tiger ecology, population security, and priority conservation zones.
6. National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), India.
   All India Tiger Estimation Reports.
   The most detailed and credible country-level database for tiger monitoring and population trends.
7. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
   Global Tiger Recovery Program (GTRP) Reports.
   Offers detailed country-by-country conservation progress and challenges.
8. Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI).
   Research and publications on tiger ecology, genetics, and habitat needs.
9. TRAFFIC (Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network).
   Reports on illegal wildlife trade and enforcement challenges affecting tiger populations.
10. Government Wildlife Agencies of Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Thailand, Russia, and Malaysia.
    National surveys and conservation updates on regional tiger populations.