Siberian tigers are a species facing extinction. China has set up a new nature reserve on its frontier with Russia to help to conserve tigers and leopards. Experts from the two countries are working with biologists from the Wildlife Conservation Society. The creation of the Jilin Hunchun reserve should increase the amount of suitable habitat for the two species. Both are critically endangered, and the reserve's creation has rekindled hopes for their survival. The number of Siberian tigers in...
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Siberian tigers are a species facing extinction. China has set up a new nature reserve on its frontier with Russia to help to conserve tigers and leopards. Experts from the two countries are working with biologists from the Wildlife Conservation Society. The creation of the Jilin Hunchun reserve should increase the amount of suitable habitat for the two species. Both are critically endangered, and the reserve's creation has rekindled hopes for their survival. The number of Siberian tigers in the wild is estimated at between 330 and 370, with the Amur leopard reduced to a single population of between 25 and 40 animals. Large tracts of intact forests in northeast China are used to protect wild prey populations, tigers will naturally recover in these areas. Russia has promised to work with China on all efforts to protect tigers by coordinating cross-boundary conservation work. The habitat available to both species is shrinking as human numbers grow, and both face similar threats. Tigers that migrate to China often find few prey species and turn to livestock, which leads to conflict with local people. The society is working to create a fund to compensate farmers for livestock losses caused by tigers.
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