Global wildlife organizations have reported a steady rise in tiger seizures in recent years, showing that illegal trading continues to threaten the remaining wild tiger population. A new report released on November 25, 2025, by TRAFFIC, a network that monitors wildlife trade, stated that an average of nine tigers per month were confiscated between 2020 and June 2025. Most cases occurred in the 13 countries where wild tigers still live, such as India, China, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The report said that the global tiger population has fallen sharply from about 100,000 a century ago to only 3,700 to 5,500 today. Experts explained that the demand for skins, bones, claws, and live animals has created a widespread market that continues to drive illegal activity in many regions.

TRAFFIC’s study also noted that trafficking groups now use more advanced methods, which has forced enforcement agencies to strengthen their operations. The report recorded more than 2,500 seizures from 2000 to mid-2025, representing at least 3,808 tigers. Experts observed that whole carcasses and live animals now make up a much larger share of confiscated items, rising from around 10 percent in the 2000s to almost 40 percent since 2020. Specialists warned that captive-breeding facilities may be increasing the problem by supplying animals that later enter illegal markets. Conservation groups stated that the trend has become extremely serious and could cause permanent ecological damage without stronger action. The study emphasized that stopping the illegal trade will require long-term cooperation among governments.