However, many of these large predators also are species that may become rare or even extinct in the wild in the near future. Ironically, there are often more fans in the stands at a Missouri Tigers' men's basketball game than there are numbers of tigers in the wild. The critically endangered tiger is the mascot of more than 60 colleges and universities, including Missouri. But Missouri is doing something to try to save its tigers in the wild, and we believe other schools should take action on behalf of their mascots, too.

Here are the facts on tigers. As recently as the 1930s, an estimated 100,000 tigers were roaming the forests of Asia. Today, there are likely fewer than 7,000 tigers in the wild. These large cats require much land to satisfy their daily needs, and there are few forests left in Asia large enough to support populations of more than 50 tigers.

Each of these "mini-populations" of tigers is in great danger of being wiped out from the combined threats of habitat loss and poaching. In India, home of half the world's wild tigers and more than one billion people, these threats are particularly acute.

As recently as the mid-1990s, there were predictions that tigers would be extinct in the wild by 2000. But tigers still roam the forests of Asia today due in large part to the efforts of many conservation groups in the United States, Europe and Asia. Additionally, the U.S. government created the Rhino and Tiger Conservation Fund in 1994, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation established the Save the Tiger Fund in 1995. Combined, these two funds have provided millions of dollars to tiger conservation projects across Asia. Although the situation remains critical, today some experts are cautiously optimistic about the future of wild tigers in at least some parts of Asia.

The University of Missouri became active in international efforts to save the tiger through the creation of the Mizzou Tigers for Tigers conservation program in 1999. Its groundbreaking commitment to tiger conservation has been recognized by the World Wildlife Fund as the first of its kind at any college or university. The objectives of Mizzou Tigers for Tigers include raising awareness about the conservation status of tigers, raising money to support conservation projects that address the needs of both tigers and people living near tigers, and creating research and educational opportunities that will contribute to tiger conservation. The program has caught the attention of international conservation groups who see it as a precedent- setting program -- one that could serve as a model to other schools with endangered animal mascots.

Missouri's tiger efforts include a donation -- made possible by generous supporters of the university and program -- to the Save The Tiger Fund. The Missouri partnership with Save The Tiger Fund is significant because it will ensure that this and subsequent donations will help to make the highest quality conservation efforts a reality.

This year's donation is helping fund two tiger conservation projects in Nepal, a part of Asia where tiger populations are known to be increasing.

In recognition of Missouri's efforts in support of tiger conservation and of all the Tiger fans in Missouri, Gov. Bob Holden proclaimed February 8 "Tigers for Tigers Day" in the state, with the goal of making Missourians more aware of the plight of wild tigers in Asia.

Michael Baltz is the program coordinator for Mizzou Tigers for Tigers at the University of Missouri, Columbia.