Monitoring and connecting

Implementing Partner:

Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)

Project Name:

Protecting and connecting Amur leopards and tigers.

Goal:

The project aims to recover and maintain stable, genetically diverse populations of Amur tigers and leopards within the historical range of both big cats.

• Objective 1: Collect baseline information on tiger, leopard, and prey connectivity across a major highway barrier. This information will:
  • Strengthen our arguments to decision-makers.
  • Allow for assessment of the impact of future conservation interventions over the next 1-2 years.

Background:

For over three decades, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has worked to recover Amur tigers and leopards in key habitats across their range.

A crucial part of this work involves reconnecting fragmented populations. A major transportation corridor currently restricts movement of Amur leopards between habitats, leading to genetic isolation. While some wildlife crossings exist, they remain ineffective under certain conditions. Without improved connectivity, these big cats face continued risks of inbreeding and population decline. By identifying viable solutions and advocating for ecological corridors, this project aims to secure a future where Amur leopards and tigers thrive in interconnected landscapes.

Long-term monitoring of Amur leopards remains a key aspect of this approach, ensuring conservation actions are guided by robust scientific data. Population surveys help assess whether protection measures are stabilising or increasing tiger and leopard numbers, while also equipping wildlife managers with the latest best-practice methodologies.

By addressing these long-term challenges, this initiative supports the recovery and persistence of Amur tigers and leopards in the wild. WildCats Conservation Alliance, in collaboration with WCS, is committed to ensuring these iconic species continue to roam their natural habitats for generations to come.

You can see the previous WCS projects funded by WildCats in our Archive

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