Hollywood movie star Leonardo DiCaprio on Tuesday committed $1 million to World Wildlife Fund (WWF) for urgent tiger conservation efforts through his Fund at the California Community Foundation. Hollywood movie star Leonardo DiCaprio (R) fixing a camera trap with WWF... Hollywood movie star Leonardo DiCaprio (R) fixing a camera trap with WWF... The donation will add to DiCaprio's existing commitment to tiger conservation during this Year of the Tiger. Earlier this year, he joined forces with WWF in an effort to raise $20 million for tiger conservation through the Save Tigers Now campaign. Across Asia, tiger numbers have dropped from 100,000 at the beginning of the last century to as few as 3,200 today. Heads of government from the 13 tiger range countries are gathered in St. Petersburg, Russia, for a first-ever summit to save tigers hosted by Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. The 'Titanic' star will also attend the summit. DiCaprio, a WWF board member, had recently visited Nepal with WWF experts, touring tiger habitat on elephant back alongside anti-poaching staff, meeting with community members, and learning how WWF officials monitor the park's tigers. "WWF is privileged to have partnered with Leonardo DiCaprio to work on tiger conservation. He cares deeply about the fate of Wild Tigers and the people with whom they share their habitat. He is committing his time, wealth, and most importantly, his talent to this noble cause," said Anil Manandhar, Country Representative of WWF Nepal. Similarly, Minister for Forest and Soil Conservation, Deepak Bohara said, "The Government of Nepal lauds the active engagement and support of international celebrity, Leonardo DiCaprio, in conserving wild tigers in Nepal. This underscores the importance of collective efforts and the commitment of international communities to join hands in saving wild tigers globally. Mr. DiCaprio's support will go a long way in contributing towards Nepal's efforts to double the number of tigers by 2022." "Illegal poaching of tigers for their parts and massive habitat loss due to palm oil, timber and paper production are driving this species to extinction," said DiCaprio. "If we don't take action now, one of the most iconic animals on our planet could be gone in just a few decades. By saving tigers, we can also protect some of our last remaining ancient forests and improve the lives of indigenous communities." The 13 countries where tigers still exist are Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand and Vietnam. Money raised by DiCaprio and WWF through Save Tigers Now will go to fund anti-poaching efforts and habitat protection in the 12 priority landscapes across Asia that WWF believes represent the best locations to maintain viable, thriving populations of tigers. The money will also fund advocacy and outreach activities to build support for tiger conservation. nepalnews.com