The largest species of cat in the world, tigers have been a subject and symbol in Asian art and culture for centuries. Historically, tigers existed throughout much of Eastern and Southern Asia, as well as in parts of Central and Western Asia and the Middle East, surrounding the Caspian Sea. Their range has diminished significantly. It is believed they currently occupy just 7% of their historic range. Today, tigers are found in a variety of habitats across South and Southeast Asia, China, and Eastern Russia. Scientists at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) are working to save tigers from extinction and double their numbers in the wild by 2022. SCBI supports efforts to stop poaching, to stop trafficking, to reduce human-tiger conflict, to improve management practices in tiger habitats, and to protect Asian forests where tigers live.
