June 9, 2008 – The tiger is in deep trouble.

The worldwide population of this awesome predator has shrunk from 100,000 to below 4,000 over the past century. Unless the threats from poaching and habitat loss are significantly reduced, experts say, the tiger could easily slip into extinction.

Tiger conservation groups, scientists and celebrities, including Harrison Ford, are partnering with the Global Environment Facility and the World Bank Group to help save wild tigers.

"Nothing short of global action will bring back wild tigers," said Grace Ge Gabriel, spokesperson for the International Tiger Coalition (ITC). “The ITC applauds the World Bank for focusing the eyes of the world on wild tigers and their needs."