A mother rests with her two-month-old in Bandhavgarh National Park, where—contrary to the global trend—managers have built up tiger numbers. Compensation for loss of life caused by cats outside the park gives villagers some consolation.<br>
A mother rests with her two-month-old in Bandhavgarh National Park, where—contrary to the global trend—managers have built up tiger numbers. Compensation for loss of life caused by cats outside the park gives villagers some consolation.
Photograph by Steve Winter, Nat Geo Image Collection

Our Favorite Tiger Photos Show Their Power and Beauty

On International Tiger Day, see how a photographer and conservationist is trying to preserve big cats for future generations.

The most meaningful photographs are the ones that incite change. Photographer and big cat advocate Steve Winter hopes to inspire conservation efforts through his photographs of tigers, to preserve them in the wild for generations to come.

The tiger is critically endangered with only about 3,890 tigers left in the wild. Habitat loss and retaliatory killings are major factors in the loss of tigers throughout Asia. However, the largest threat comes from poachers who target tigers to sell their “parts” for tiger bone wine and tiger skin furniture to harness the mystical powers of the large cat.

“We have no reason to use parts of an endangered species,” said Winter, “The only way you are going to gain any

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