Global Tiger Patrol or GTP, formerly known as the Ranthambore Trust, is a conservation agency prioritising protection of the tiger in the field. It has been working to conserve the tiger in the wild since 1989. It is believed that there may be fewer than 5,000 tigers remaining worldwide. Initially, Global Tiger Patrol`s policy was people-centred conservation in and around Ranthambore Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan. Working with and gaining the support and cooperation of those living in and around the tiger`s habitat was seen as the best way for the future. In recent years, owing to the increase in poaching and trading in the tiger and other endangered wildlife for traditional medicines and aphrodisiacs, as well as the destruction of the habitat, numbers of tigers have diminished rapidly. Global Tiger Patrol also funds front line protection as well, often acting in a catalytic role with funding. Global Tiger Patrol mainly concentrates its work in India, as the sub-continent is believed to be the home to about 50 percent of the world`s remaining wild tigers. On the whole, funds are spent on anti-poaching support to aid forest guards with their work.
Strategies of Global Tiger Patrol
Many tiger reserves are short staffed and ill-equipped. Global Tiger Patrol provides equipment such as troop carriers, jeeps, high-speed patrol boats, jungle equipment, binoculars and training for these men, who put their lives on the line daily. Besides, protection of tigers, habitat conservation and reclamation is another strategy of Global Tiger Patrol. It is a known fact that without its habitat, the tiger cannot survive. Thus, Global Tiger Patrol co-operates with and has contributed to several local reserve projects for reforestation, water conservation, alternative agriculture and energy technologies that save fragile habitat. GTP also supports scientific research projects and continues to work with the people living in and around the tiger`s habitat to help them in protecting their heritage. Global Tiger Patrol supports the scientific research programmes that also include data collection.
The conservation work of Global Tiger Patrol helps save Asia`s animals ranging from mighty elephants and rhinos to ants and beetles. As the tiger is at the top of the food chain, nature can only thrive under its umbrella. If the insects and animals that pollinate trees and fertilise the ground die out, the survival of the forests and jungles will be threatened. Global Tiger Patrol is also a founding partner of 21st Century Tiger, an alliance with the Zoological Society of London, funding wild tiger protection projects and scientific research in India, Sumatra, Malaysia, Cambodia and the Russian Far East.