Northeast China is becoming ever more important for the conservation of both Amur leopards and tigers and the most important area for the expansion of the population from Russia is Hunchun Nature Reserve (HNR) which was created in 2001. A transboundary census, undertaken in 2018 showed that there are at least 47 Amur leopards in China. In the past few years, there has been growing evidence that both species of cat are increasing and expanding westwards from HNR, to areas including Wangqing, Huangnihe and other protected areas in central Jilin Province. There are now resident populations of both Amur tigers and leopards and there is great cooperation between the Chinese and Russian teams working on the projects aimed at protecting them.
Current Projects
Monitoring Populations of Amur Leopards and Tigers in Northeast China
This project continues to monitor Amur leopard and tiger population numbers via camera trapping. It will also study behaviour patterns of big cats via snow tracking, and finalize an ecological corridor study to inform TLNP management.
Strengthening community involvement in anti-poaching efforts to protect tigers and leopards
WCS are building strong links between community, habitats and wildlife, by establishing community patrol teams and community education campaigns which raise awareness to mitigate conflict between humans and tigers, reducing the threat of human actions on both species and creating a safe habitat for all.
