In this episode, we speak with big cat conservationist Dr Luke Hunter about the first IUCN Green Status of Species Assessment for the tiger. While the IUCN Red List measures a species' risk of extinction, the Green Status asks a different question: how fully has that species recovered, and what could its future recovery look like?

The assessment classifies the tiger as Critically Depleted, with a recovery score of just 14%. However, it also finds that past conservation efforts have made a significant difference and that tiger populations are beginning to recover in several parts of their range.

Luke explains why tigers can simultaneously have a high conservation legacy and remain severely depleted, where recovery is already taking place, and why progress has varied so widely between regions. The conversation also explores the potential for tigers to return to areas of their former range through natural recolonisation and carefully planned reintroductions.

From protecting tigers and their prey to maintaining wildlife corridors, reducing conflict with communities and reconnecting fragmented habitats, this episode examines what successful tiger conservation looks like, and what will be needed to sustain it over the next 100 years.

Despite the scale of the challenge, the Green Status Assessment offers genuine grounds for hope. Tiger conservation can work, but recovery requires long-term commitment, investment and collaboration.