References
[1] Roberts, N.J., Harihar, A., Zhou, X., She, W. and Jiang, G. (2025), Global Tiger Density Linked With Forest Carbon Stock, Top-Down and Bottom-Up. Glob Change Biol, 31: e70191. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.70191
Tiger
If forests currently occupied by tigers lost their tigers, carbon emissions would be 9% higher and carbon removals 28% lower than observed.
Across Asia’s forests, scientists have found that the presence of tigers is linked to lower overall CO₂ emissions and higher CO₂ removal than in tiger-absent forests.
This is because tigers sit at the top of the food chain. By keeping herbivore populations in check, they prevent overgrazing, allowing forests to remain dense, layered, and rich in carbon.
A 2025 study estimates that if forests currently occupied by tigers lost their tigers, carbon emissions would be 9% higher and carbon removals 28% lower than observed.
It notes that tigers are both an indicator and a driver of forest ecosystem carbon stocks, and could safeguard forests against future carbon emissions. [1]
Tiger
If forests currently occupied by tigers lost their tigers, carbon emissions would be 9% higher and carbon removals 28% lower than observed.
Across Asia’s forests, scientists have found that the presence of tigers is linked to lower overall CO₂ emissions and higher CO₂ removal than in tiger-absent forests.
This is because tigers sit at the top of the food chain. By keeping herbivore populations in check, they prevent overgrazing, allowing forests to remain dense, layered, and rich in carbon.
A 2025 study estimates that if forests currently occupied by tigers lost their tigers, carbon emissions would be 9% higher and carbon removals 28% lower than observed.
It notes that tigers are both an indicator and a driver of forest ecosystem carbon stocks, and could safeguard forests against future carbon emissions. [1]