Recovery and development of Siberian tiger populations in China

Abstract

Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris aitaica Temminck) is the largest cat in the world. The wild population is about 250. The population in China decreased from 120 in mid 1970's to less than 20 now. Hengdaohezi Felidae Breeding Center was established in Heilongjiang province in 1986. The Siberian tigers were fed artificially and were trained to reintroduce primarily. The population increased from eight to seventy by hard work for about ten years. In the meantime, the researchers have done much research work on physiology, biochemistry, breeding, behavior, disease prevention and so on, they have got much valuable information of tiger population. In January, 1996, “Siberian Tiger Park” was built on the east side of The Sun Island in Harbin. The China's unique and the world's largest Siberian Tiger groups are being domesticated here. Because of the change of the living condition, the focal point of the tiger population management is now to reintroduce the tigers. So, the tigers are being trained to learn how to pery in the wild, how to adapt the bad nature environment and increase the ability of disease prevention. Tourists can enter the park by tour bus or by their own car. The income of the park tickets can be used to build the park and develop the tiger population. It is a good opportunity to increase the consciousness of Man's protecting wildlife. The large carnivores can coexist in the world with Man.

Keywords

Siberian tiger / Population / Reintroduction