Tigers have fascinated humans for centuries, captivating us with their powerful, majestic presence and elusive nature. Such is their appeal that they have appeared in books, films, cartoons and family shows, often as friendly, fun companions such as Tigger in the Winnie the Pooh stories or the tiger in The Tiger Who Came to Tea. Sadly, tigers in the wild are in danger of dying out, but conservationists are working hard to help their numbers recover. Let’s look at where the highest tiger populations live. 

India

India is home to the world’s highest wild tiger population, with around 70% of the global population (about 3,100 tigers) living there. They are mostly found in protected national parks where they can be monitored. Madhya Pradesh in central India has several tiger reserves including Bandhavgarh, Kanha and Satpura. Uttarakhand in Northern India is also home to over 200 Bengal tigers, while Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, North West India, is known for its large tiger population. 

Russia

The next largest population of tigers lives in the Russian Far East, in the Primorsky and Khabarovsk provinces. The Amur (Siberian) tigers who live here inhabit vast, remote coniferous and birch forests of the Sikhote-Alin mountain range and are specially adapted for the cold conditions there. There are thought to be around 750 tigers living in Russia. 

Indonesia

The island of Sumatra in Indonesia has the next highest tiger population, but there are far fewer tigers living here than in India. Less than 400 Sumatran tigers inhabit the island, roaming through its tropical rainforests, mountain forests and lowlands. Most live in protected areas like the Kerinci Seblat National Park.

Nepal

Nepal’s tiger population is a conservation success story. In 2009 there were just 121 Bengal tigers living in the country; now there are over 350 living across five protected regions. Most live in the southern lowland region of Terai, which stretches across the foothills of the Himalayas, with the biggest populations in the Chitwan and Bardia National Parks. 

Thailand

Thailand is home to the Indochinese tiger, and most live in the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary. There are estimated to be between 179-223 wild tigers in total across the country. Like Nepal, conservation efforts have meant the population is increasing.

Bhutan

Tigers in Bhutan live across a wide altitude range, from the tropical forests in the south of the country to the northern mountain regions. Some live at 4,400 metres, making them the highest altitude population in the world. Bhutanese authorities are working hard to increase tiger numbers too, and there has been a 27% increase in numbers since 2015. There are now around 150 tigers in the wild. 

See The Tiger Who Came to Tea on tour

One unique tiger that can be seen all over the UK this season is the tiger who visits Sophie’s house in The Tiger Who Came to Tea. Based on Judith Kerr’s bestselling picture book, this family theatre show is on tour until August, retelling the beloved story with songs, dancing and magic. It’s perfect for kids aged three and up, being just 55 minutes long with no interval. Book your family theatre tickets today and join the fun.