Siberian tigers face dramatic decline, drawing near extinction
The Siberian tiger is the biggest feline on the face of the Earth at the time, but if things continue to move in the same direction, that will change in the not so far future; and not because other species will grow bigger, but because it will become extinct.There were around 300 tigers living in Eastern Russia just 4 years ago, but the WCS (World Wildlife Conservation Society) estimates that the population has decreased significantly due to habitat loss (logging) and poaching. WCS say they have done this estimate in order to warn Russian authorities about what has to be done in order to protect this majestic creature.
This picture show the population of Siberian TIger decades ago.
The Crisis
Siberian tigers are powerful predators that hunt alone, sometimes searching for prey for many miles. However, despite their reputation and killer traits, they avoid humans as much as they can. In the extremely rare cases when they do attack, it’s because they have nothing to eat.
The main problem is deforestation. The siberian tigers requires vast territories to live, and so does it’s prey and other numerous animals from the ecosystem. However, due to (legal and illegal) logging, its habitat decreased greatly, leaving it without food and hope.
Also, poaching is a big issue. Whether it’s for the fur, for medicinal purposes, or just for a big trophy, it has to be controlled more strictly. Hopefully, the Russian authorities will be able (and willing) to understand what they have to do and will take the necessary measures so we won’t have to explain to our grandchildren why there are no more siberian tigers.
Conservative effort
Siberian Tiger Project by (WCS) Russia.
In 1992 Wildlife Conservation Society. (initially as the Hornocker Wildlife Institute) in cooperation with the Sikhote-Alin Reserve began intensive studies of tiger ecology under the Siberian Tiger Project, today stand as the world’s longest running radio-telemetry based tiger research and conservation effort.
Siberian Tiger Conservation Association
The Siberian Tiger Conservation Association began with the purpose of preserving these beautiful cats. Researchers predict that all tigers will become extinct in the wild in less than 10 years!
