Although the two teams have a nice growing rivalry on the field, Auburn and Clemson are leading the U.S. higher education effort to save wild tiger populations.

Joining Auburn and Clemson in the effort are LSU and Missouri. The four have just formed the U.S. Tiger University Consortium, as all share the common mascot. Raising awareness of the worldwide problem and research supporting evidence-based decision-making are a few of the avenues the consortium will use to help reach its ultimate goal.

“Students, faculty and alumni chant ‘Go Tigers’ on a daily basis, but not many know the truth about the animal we hold so dear,” said Brett Wright, dean of the Clemson University College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences. “These universities share the tiger mascot and benefit from that majestic symbol of strength, dignity and beauty, so they share a moral responsibility to apply all of our resources to save the animal that inspires that symbol.”

Through university-supported academic scholarships and assistantships, leaders hope that future generations will become more educated and equipped to help in this endeavor. Wild tiger populations overall are reducing due to multiple reasons, and only an estimated 3,900 tigers remain in the wild.

“Each of our institutions possess various academic disciplines important to the future of tiger conservation and protection,” said Janaki Alavalapati, dean of the Auburn University School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences. “This is an obvious example of the need for multi-disciplinary contribution, not just across colleges and departments, but across universities.”

The consortium, along with the Global Tiger Initiative Council, will meet in Clemson on September 8 and 9 to discuss next steps.