The Smithsonian’s Royal Bengal Tiger: A Story of Man-Eating, Conservation, and the Future of Tigers

by Rosa June 14, 2022

written by Rosa June 14, 2022

The Smithsonian’s Royal Bengal Tiger: A History of Man-Eating and Conservation

The Tiger on Display

At the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, a majestic Royal Bengal tiger leaps through the air, its “fearful symmetry” frozen in mid-pounce. This 11-foot-long beast was once a notorious man-eater until it was killed by big-game hunter David Hasinger in 1967.

Man-Eating Tigers: A Complex Issue

Famed hunter Jim Corbett believed that tigers only resort to man-eating when stressed by circumstances beyond their control. The Smithsonian’s tiger may or may not have fit this profile, as its exact history is unknown. However, it is certain that this 857-pound predator was not hungry when Hasinger dispatched it.

The Champawat Man-Eater

Corbett’s experiences hunting man-eaters in India provide insights into the complexities of this behavior. One such tiger, known as the Champawat man-eater, had killed 436 people before Corbett tracked and shot her. Her broken teeth, Corbett claimed, had prevented her from catching her natural prey and driven her to become a man-eater.

The Smithsonian’s Changing Display

After Hasinger donated the man-eating tiger to the Smithsonian in 1969, it was initially displayed with an axis deer fleeing before it. However, concerns about the portrayal of tiger aggression led to the removal of the deer in 1976.

The Decline of Tigers Worldwide

By the early 1970s, tiger populations were already in decline. Overhunting, habitat loss, and poaching for pelts and tiger parts have all contributed to this alarming trend. Today, there are only an estimated 5,000 tigers left in the wild, down from 100,000 at the turn of the century.

Human-Tiger Conflict: A Historic Perspective

Historically, humans and tigers have competed for food and resources. While tigers do not inherently view humans as prey, they may regard them as competitors. In some regions, tigers have become regular predators of humans, such as in the Sunderbans mangrove swamp on the India-Bangladesh border.

The Importance of Conservation

Protecting tiger habitat is crucial for their survival. Despite conservation efforts like Operation Tiger, tigers continue to face numerous threats. The Save the Tiger Fund, launched by Exxon Corporation and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, aims to address these challenges.

The Future of Tigers

Although the prospects of sighting wild tigers are diminishing, their stories live on in our minds. The Smithsonian’s tiger display, now reunited with the axis deer, serves as a reminder of the need for conservation. By understanding the complex relationship between humans and tigers, we can work towards a future where both species can coexist peacefully.

Rosa

Rosa is a distinguished software engineer whose passion for science and technology was kindled in her early childhood. Growing up in a household where academic curiosity was nurtured, Rosa was deeply influenced by her father, a dedicated physics professor. After long days at the university, her father would come home and engage Rosa in a world of scientific exploration, guiding her through various experiments and fostering a profound love for the intricacies of the physical world. From a young age, Rosa was captivated by the endless possibilities that science presented. She spent countless hours conducting experiments and learning the fundamental principles of physics. This early exposure to scientific inquiry not only honed her analytical skills but also instilled in her a relentless curiosity and a passion for problem-solving. Rosa's academic journey led her to pursue a degree in Computer Science, where she excelled in her studies, driven by the same enthusiasm that had characterized her childhood experiments. She graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor's degree from a prestigious university. Her academic achievements were marked by numerous accolades and scholarships, reflecting her dedication and exceptional talent in the field. In her professional career, Rosa has made significant contributions to the tech industry. She has worked for several leading technology companies, where she has been instrumental in developing innovative software solutions that have had a substantial impact on various sectors. Her expertise lies in designing and implementing complex algorithms, optimizing system performance, and ensuring the reliability and scalability of software applications. Beyond her technical prowess, Rosa is a strong advocate for women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). She actively participates in mentorship programs, guiding young women who aspire to pursue careers in technology. Rosa believes in the power of education and the importance of providing equal opportunities for all, and she dedicates her time to speaking at conferences and workshops to inspire the next generation of female engineers. In her personal life, Rosa continues to embrace her scientific roots. She enjoys spending her free time experimenting with new technologies, reading scientific journals, and engaging in discussions about the future of technology. Rosa's journey from a curious child conducting experiments to a successful software engineer is a testament to the power of early exposure to science and the enduring influence of a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment.