leotigers.jpg He may be a sourpuss with the paparazzi from time to time, but Leonardo DiCaprio sure is a generous man! The Oscar-nominated actor has pledged to donate $1 million to the World Wildlife Fund for urgent tiger conservation efforts, and he will also be attending the first-ever summit in St. Petersburg, Russia this week.

The summit will be hosted by Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, and they are expected to announce a Global Tiger Recovery Program that aims to double the wild tiger population over the next decade. Across Asia, tiger numbers have dropped from 100,000 to 3,200 over the past century, and DiCaprio's donation will help support anti-poaching efforts and protect critical tiger forests where the needs are most urgent.

"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,” DiCaprio said in a statement. “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."

Carter Roberts, president and CEO of World Wildlife Fund added, “It's been a pleasure to work with Leo. He cares deeply about the fate of tigers and the human communities with whom they share their habitat. He is committing his time, his wealth, and most importantly, his talent to this cause. His financial commitment will spark urgent on-the-ground conservation for tigers."