Siberian tiger in state of relentless decline

vIndianz.com (26 Nov, 2009) — The last left behind population of Siberian tigers has declined considerably, according to study. The effort was carried out by the Siberian Tiger Monitoring Programme, which is synchronized by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).

Its account says that tiger numbers have revealed a “declining trend” over the preceding four years, and the most recent evaluation counted just 56 of the animals. The researchers attribute the decline to poaching and habitat loss.

The group carries out yearly tiger surveys at 16 monitoring sites spread across the tigers’ range. The monitored region represents about 15% of the animals’ surroundings in Russia. These surveys are completed every winter, using tracks in the snow to calculate approximately the population.

The scientists did point out that deep snows throughout the last winter may have forced tigers to decrease the amount they travelled, making them less full of life and consequently less noticeable

But, in 2005, the total number of Siberian tigers across their whole range was anticipated at just about 500 individuals. This improved from fewer than 30 animals in the late 1940s.

“The sobering outcome is a wake-up call that existing protection efforts are not going far as much as necessary to protect Siberian tigers,” said Dr Dale Miquelle a researcher from the WCS’s Russian Far East Program.

“The good information is that we believe this tendency can be overturned if instantaneous action is taken.”

Russian scientists and conservation organizations are currently recommending changes in law enforcement regulations, improvements in habitat protection, and a intensification of the sheltered areas system to assist guard the tigers.

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