If poaching and the destruction of habitats in India continue at the present rate it is possible that the tiger will become extinct in the wild in just ten years. Supporting charities who work in the field to help preserve the habitat and catch the poachers helps greatly - but without the full support and backing of the government to enforce the sentences given for poaching, their work alone will not be enough. It costs just pence to send an air mail letter to India from the UK - and this could be the most important donation you ever make.

Mr Imran A. Khan, an experienced naturalist working on with Project Tiger in the Corbett National Park urges everyone to write to the Indian Prime Minister. Enough letters from around the world will make the government realise that the International community cares about the future of Indian Wildlife, especially the tigers, and will encourage them to take action.

Please send your letters (and ask your family and friends to write too!) to the prime minister's official residence -

The Prime Minister of India
Dr Manmohan Singh
South Block, Raisina Hill,
New Delhi,
India-110 011

You are welcome to copy our sample letter (below) - you may fill in your name and address details in the spaces provided at the top right, sign the letter, and mail this directly to the Prime Minister. Alternatively you may prefer to write your own letter - if so I would suggest that you mention any Indian wildlife watching visits which you may have made - or express a desire to visit well-managed reserves in the future, to drive home how essential the survival of the wildlife is to tourism. And of course, include your own hopes and fears for the tigers' future.

You can also send an e mail direct to the prime minister via the official web site - go to http://pmindia.nic.in/home.htm and click on 'write to pm' link on the left hand side of the screen.

With very many thanks for you help and support in this vital campaign.

Sample Letter

Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee
3 Race Course Road
New Delhi 11000

Dear Prime Minister

Following recent reports about the threats facing Indian Wild Life, I am writing to urge you to give your attention and support to the conservation of the Bengal Tiger

I have been very concerned to learn that due to poaching. loss of habitat and poisoning by local farmers the tiger could be extinct in India within ten years

I feel it is essential that the government of India tackles the problem, and ensures that the naturalists working in the National Parks have the full support and backing needed to catch the poachers, and that appropriate sentences are then passed to deter others, and that local farmers are properly compensated for any loss of livestock to tigers. The many dedicated people working in the field are powerless to make a difference without the full backing and support of National and Regional governments.

I realise that India is a complex and rapidly developing country, and that you have many other issues which command your attention - but the issue of conservation cannot wait. In just two years it may be too late to preserve this magnificent animal, which is seen as a symbol of your country world wide. This would be a tragedy not just for India, but for every nation, and I feel would attract International condemnation. On a practical note, the tigers are a huge draw for eco-tourists, and can continue to bring ever increasing numbers of tourists to the country, helping to support and expand this essential industry.

Thank you for your kind attention to this matter,

Yours Faithfully,