DiCaprio commits USD 1m for tiger conservation

THT ONLINE

KATHMANDU: Noted Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio committed USD 1 million to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) for urgent tiger conservation efforts on the day the Global Tiger Summit kicked off in a bid to save the endangered big cats from extinction on Tuesday.

According to the WWF, the money would come through DiCaprio’s Fund at the California Community Foundation.

The tiger population has dropped drastically across Asia—from 100,000 at the beginning of the last century to as few as 3,200 today. The heads of government from the 13 tiger range countries including Nepal are gathered in the Russian city of St. Petersberg for a first-ever summit to save tigers. DiCaprio is also taking part in the Summit hosted by Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

The participants are expected to announce a Global Tiger Recovery Program with a goal of doubling the number of wild tigers by 2022.

Also WWF board member, DiCaprio recently visited Nepal and Bhutan with the WWF experts, touring tiger habitat on elephant back alongside anti-poaching staff, meeting with community members, and learning how the WWF scientists monitor the park's tigers. “The donation will add to DiCaprio’s existing commitment to tiger conservation during this Year of the Tiger,” said a WWF statement released from Washington D.C. The Hollywood actor joined forces with the WWF earlier this year in an effort to raise USD 20 million for tiger conservation through the Save Tigers Now campaign.

Meanwhile, the Nepal government has lauded DiCaprio’s active engagement and support in conserving the big cats in Nepal. Minister for Forest and Soil Conservation Deepak Bohara said, “This underscores the importance of collective efforts and the commitment of international communities to join hands in saving wild tigers globally. Mr. DiCaprio’s support will go a long way in contributing towards Nepal’s efforts to double the number of tigers by 2022”.

"Illegal poaching of tigers for their parts and massive habitat loss due to palm oil, timber and paper production are driving this species to extinction,” said DiCaprio. “If we don’t take action now, one of the most iconic animals on our planet could be gone in just a few decades. By saving tigers, we can also protect some of our last remaining ancient forests and improve the lives of indigenous communities."

The 13 countries where tigers still exist are Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand and Vietnam.

According to the WWF, the money raised by DiCaprio and it through Save Tigers Now will go to fund anti-poaching efforts and habitat protection in the 12 priority landscapes across Asia that it believes represent the best locations to maintain viable, thriving populations of tigers.