21st Century Tiger
21st Century Tiger raises funds for wild tiger conservation projects. It was formed in 1997 as a partnership between the Zoological Society of London, Global Tiger Patrol and Tusk Force so that the three groups could collaborate, rather than compete, in raising money for tigers in the UK. The two current members of the coalition are ZSL and Dreamworld Wildlife Foundation. Based in offices provided by ZSL in Regent's Park, London, and with administration funded by a sponsor, it is able to spend 100% of funds raised on tiger projects. Since its inception, 21st Century Tiger has provided over £2 million to over 70 tiger projects in seven countries.
In 2018, 21st Century Tiger merged with the Amur Leopard and Tiger Alliance to become "WildCats Conservation Alliance" in an effort to streamline administration and resources, while continuing the partnership between ZSL and DWF.
History
21st Century Tiger was established in 1997 and formally launched at the Tigers 2000 meeting at ZSL in 1997 by John Gummer, the then UK Minister for the Environment. It assisted the UK's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in channelling funds for tiger conservation to effective projects in tiger range. Current support has come from members of the public, businesses, and notably from zoos, particularly in Europe and Australasia.Realising the potential fundraising abilities of the European Zoo community, between 2002 and 2004 the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria Tiger Campaign in European zoos raised over three-quarters of a million euros which was channelled through 21st Century Tiger. Over 130 zoos in 24 countries took part in the campaign, from Finland to France and from Ireland to Russia.
Zoo and Aquarium Association formerly known as ARAZPA, launched a parallel tiger campaign during 2003, also using 21st Century Tiger to channel the funds and raised more than A$100,000. ZAAA zoos hold only the Sumatran tiger, unlike European zoos which have both Amur and Sumatran, and their efforts continue to be focused on projects in Sumatra.
Projects
Since its inception, 21st Century Tiger has funded over 70 projects, distributing over £2 million and supported projects in seven countries - India, Indonesia, China, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand and Russia. The projects cover a wide spectrum of requirements for tiger conservation, including training for wildlife rangers in the application of wildlife law, jungle survival and identification of endangered species, support for anti-poaching units which deal directly with poachers, uncover networks of illegal trading, and even advise in cases of human-tiger conflict. In Russia and Indonesia scientific research is also funded, including studies of tiger home ranges and tiger prey densities, and of methods for limiting the habitat damage caused by economic development. Comprehensive and thorough research provides a sound scientific basis for conservation planning and is an essential part of any conservation programme. 21st Century Tiger also funds education and awareness raising programmes within tiger range countries; vital for ensuring sustainable local support for wildlife conservation.21st Century Tiger works with a range of organisations from the internationally known Wildlife Conservation Society and International Fund for Animal Welfare to small, focused local groups such as Phoenix Fund in Russia. All projects submitted for funding are rigorously examined by a panel of international experts. The projects must have sound practical scientific and conservation value and use local staff wherever possible.