Tigers were once plentiful in Vietnam but a massive decline in population has rendered them near extinct. A once thriving population has been massively impacted by over logging, loss of habitat, and general human development practices.
There are, however, a handful of tiger communities nestled in the dense forests of the Nothern Annamese Mountains, and small clusters in the Central Annamites, but the tiger is a disappearing member of Vietnamese society.
Why Are Tigers Becoming Endangered in Vietnam?
There are several reasons behind the decline in Vietnam’s tiger population. The largest of these, by far, is habitat destruction. Forests all over Vietnam have been reduced, segmented, and destroyed almost entirely. The introduction of rural highways divides large spaces of greenery, leaving tigers (and other species) vulnerable to hunters.
Poaching is another huge component behind the disappearance of Vietnam’s wild tigers. Poaching has become a lucrative trade and the striking beauty of the tiger makes it a valuable commodity for collectors. Other wild animals, which serve as the tiger’s prey, have suffered similar fates due to habitat loss and hunting practices.
Can I See Tigers In Vietnam?
Whilst the chances of seeing wild tigers in Vietnam are effectively non-existent, you can still witness them in person by visiting some of the country’s many zoos. The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden provide your best bet of seeing these wonderful creatures up close and personal.
The caged environment is hardly ideal, but it remains one of the only ways of witnessing live Vietnamese tigers in the flesh.
Are there elephants in Vietnam?
