Endangerment of the Siberian Tiger

Jennifer Sweeney

Basic facts about the Siberian TigerBasic facts about the Siberian Tiger

o Largest living feline, weighing up to 300 kg (or about 650 pounds)

o Strong and powerful predatorso Lives only in South-Eastern

Russia and Northern China (many in Sikhote-Alin mountain range in Russia)

o Thick, coarse furo Paler coat than other tiger

species and brown stripeso On the IUCN’s red list of

threatened species

What does the Siberian tiger hunt?• Hunts different types of deer (sika

deer, musk deer). Also hunts elk, wild boar and has even been known to hunt brown bears.

• Often referred to as a “man eater” but contrary to popular belief, very rarely attacks humans unprovoked (when it does it is usually because the tiger has no access to food that it would naturally prey on).

• Secretive animal that actually hides out from humans.

• Probably more afraid of us then we are of them. We are their only predator.

Why is the Siberian Tiger endangered?

• Forest fires/habitat loss one problem

• But humans are responsible for up to 80% of Siberian tiger deaths

• Illegal poaching and intentional efforts to eradicate the species

• In 1940’s the population was down to about 40 but through conservation efforts, now at about 400-450. However, poaching again on the rise.

Reasons for poaching…• Economic reasons – a single tiger can bring in 50 grand

on the international market. It is estimated that roughly 30 tigers killed annually in Russia (often with snares)

• Fur/skin• The tiger is considered a symbol of status in some

Chinese cultures• Underground tiger medicine market, different parts of

the tiger used for different “remedies”… for example, their whiskers are believed to soothe toothaches. Some believe tiger bone in powdered form can help with rheumatic pain and ulcers.

What is being done to help protect Siberian tigers?

• Laws protect Siberian tigers from poaching. Poachers can be sentenced to years in prison and/or a fine

• Some try to help find the poachers snares (Pavel Formeko)

• CITES is an international treaty aimed to prevent international trading that endangers species

• World Wild Life Fund (WWF)• #Killthetrade on Twitter… a campaign to put an end to

illegal wildlife trading• Two national parks now in Russia.

Goals: to increase anti-poaching efforts and promote nature tourism.

What else could be done?

• Stiffer penalties for poaching• -Personal opinion: Poaching fines should go directly

to wildlife conservation efforts

• More anti-poaching efforts

• More public awarenessDonations to organizations like WWF

Comments/Questions?