Science-based conservation of tigers: Assessing the past to prepare for the future

Book excerpt: In this Research Topic, we plan to assess the interface of conservation and science, looking at the various aspects of tiger conservation by assessing what advances have been made in each relevant field, where are the limitations, and what does the data show us about successes and failures in conserving tigers, their prey and their habitat. Through a series of multiple-authored papers, we plan to explore the realms of tiger and prey monitoring, law enforcement, habitat restoration efforts, human-tiger conflicts, landscape connectivity and ultimately how tiger conservation strategies have evolved and emerged leading up to the present. Coming at this critical time – with 2022 being the Year of the Tiger and the end of a 12-year pledge by Tiger Range Countries to double tiger numbers - this Research Topic will provide a landmark publication reflecting back on the past 12 (and more) years of tiger conservation and research, and laying the foundation for the coming twelve years. While the focus is on tigers, the studies will have wide application to efforts to conserve other large-bodied carnivores. In 2010, the lunar year of the tiger, a “Tiger Summit” was held in the Russian city of St. Petersburg, where 13 Tiger Range Countries pledged to double tiger numbers by the next lunar year of the tiger in 2022. The science of tiger conservation has developed in multiple ways over the past twelve years. As we approach this benchmark, when tiger range countries will be reporting on their past efforts and planning for the next twelve years, it is important to assess what has been accomplished, and what yet needs to be done; where there have been successes, and what has not worked. This is why it is particularly important to employ a science-based approach to conservation, something that is not universally adopted by tiger conservation advocates, but which we, as editors of this collection consider central to successful tiger conservation. This Research Topic will lay the foundation for effective science-based conservation of tigers for the next twelve years. In 2021 a collection of representatives from the international tiger conservation community developed a “joint NGO vision” of priorities in tiger conservation for the coming twelve years. In this Research Topic we plan to focus on the critical issues for global tiger conservation as identified by this international group. This topic will discuss these issues and highlight how they have been addressed in diverse tiger landscapes, including both successes and failures. Our goal is to provide a foundation and structure for site-based tiger conservation actions within, and beyond, the next 12-year lunar cycle. This Research Topic was conceptualized and launched by Dale Miquelle, Thomas Gray, Luke Hunter, Abishek Harihar, John Goodrich and Matthew Linkie, in collaboration with Frontiers, to focus on: • The Convergence of Site-based tiger conservation strategies • Opportunities for restoration of tigers across their historical range • Recovery of tigers in Thailand’s tiger conservation landscapes (what works). • An integrated law enforcement approach for protecting tigers and their prey in Sumatra. • Cost of ranger protection for tiger protected area. • Evaluating a site-based enforcement strategy, Malaysia. • Beyond density: better indicators for tiger monitoring. • Prey Recovery is the foundation of tiger restoration. • Resolving human-tiger conflicts. • Community-based tiger conservation: Can it work? • Ensuring connectivity of tiger conservation landscapes. • Emerging infectious disease threats. • Tiger conservation and global/regional initiatives.