Tigers are notoriously under threat from a range of human causes, with all species being on the endangered list. But did you know that besides poaching and habitat encroachment, the man-made climate crisis is affecting tigers too? Here are four ways climate change is affecting these beautiful big cats.

Forest fires

Rising temperatures have meant forest fires are more common than in previous decades, and these are often more dangerous than before as they are spreading across larger areas. Forest fires don’t just put humans and their homes at risk, they also impact whole ecosystems - ecosystems that tigers rely on to survive. 

Depletion of food sources

Temperature changes also have a less visible impact on forests. In Russia and China, where Amur (or Siberian) tigers live, climate change is causing Korean pine forests to give way to fir and spruce trees. Fir and spruce forests are less suitable for the prey that tigers hunt, meaning over time there will be less food for them. Estimates suggest that the decline of Korean pine forests could lead to the extinction of Amur tigers by the end of the century.

Drought

Tigers are among the only big cats that like water and can frequently be found going for a dip. In fact, their large territories often include bodies of water such as rivers and lakes, since these offer security and attract prey. However, global warming has meant increased drought, leading to water sources shrinking or drying out, and forcing tigers into villages in search of water. This causes conflict between humans and tigers, often resulting in the tigers being killed.

Rising sea levels

Higher temperatures also mean polar ice is melting more rapidly, leading to higher sea levels. This has caused a loss of habitat for some tigers as their natural homes are flooded with salt water. The mangrove forests of India and Bangladesh, which are home to the largest population of Bengal tigers, are suffering from rising sea and salt levels, which are killing the region’s Sundri trees and reducing the tigers’ access to fresh water. A report in the journal Science of the Total Environment suggests that by 2070, these low-lying mangrove forests could be completely submerged, destroying the already limited tiger population.

What is being done?

Luckily for the tigers, organisations such as WWF are working to protect and connect tiger habitats. By cooperating with governments and local organisations, and by analysing tiger populations, they are building hope for these magnificent cats and their survival. Of course, at home, we can help too by recycling our rubbish, using our cars less and walking more, and volunteering with fundraising projects.

See a tiger near you

If you love tigers and children’s shows, don’t miss The Tiger Who Came to Tea, which is touring the UK this autumn. Based on the popular picture book by Judith Kerr, it’s one of the best children’s shows for families, being just 55 minutes long and aimed at kids aged three and up. Book tickets to this fabulous

children’s play at your local theatre.