The WCS Siberian Tiger Project (STP) began in 1992 when the Siberian tiger’s ecology and status were little known outside the Soviet Union, although it was clear that populations were extremely low. STP objectives were straightforward: apply good science to Siberian tiger conservation to supply the best possible information on the ecology and dynamics of the species, creating the necessary database for conservation planning to allow Siberian tigers to recover.
The project focuses on scientific research and intensive training and capacity building. These highly integrated programs are described below.
Research Program.
Although WCS has generated the largest database on wild tigers anywhere in the world, vital pieces of information are still missing. Efforts will continue to increase scientific understanding of the Siberian tiger and to create a comprehensive tiger conservation plan. Objectives included capturing four new tigers and fitting at least of the two tigers with GPS collars, estimating home ranges for all animals, identifying all litters born, mapping transboundary movements, and recording all deaths.
- Collect the best scientifically-based data for use in conservation plans.
- Continue biomedical evaluations of tigers to identify inbreeding and disease related problems.
- Continue capture and radio-tracking activities
Training and Capacity Building.
Training the next generation of Russian conservation biologists has become a priority as there are too few young biologists in the Russian Far East, and most practicing biologists are near or beyond retirement age.
The aims are:
- Continue training current students; bring on at least two new students
- Continue training Russian project coordinators in fundraising, project administration, and management.
More information on the work of WCS Russia can be found on their website.
