Two public environmental investigation teams were established in March 2001 to enhance the protection work of the state agencies. The teams divide responsibilities between North and South of Primorsky Krai, hence the names: Northern and Southern teams. Both team leaders are experienced rangers who had previously worked with Inspection Tiger. The teams consist of volunteers, mainly from nature-oriented youth organisations and university and college environmental clubs. During the reporting period, both teams conducted combined antipoaching raids with wildlife managers, Inspection Tiger rangers, the Police, and state rangers. In addition, both teams organised lectures and gave talks on conservation in a number of local schools and children’s centres.
