The global population of wild tigers has reached nearly 5,500 animals, according to data released by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) at the 2nd International Forum on the Conservation and Restoration of Tiger and Leopard Populations. The conference, held in Harbin, northeastern China, coincided with the International Tiger Day.
It was noted that the number of these majestic cats increased from about 3,200 in 2010 to nearly 5,500 in 2024. Countries such as China, Russia, India, and Nepal have managed to double their wild tiger populations.
Over the past decade, the rapid decline in tiger numbers has been curbed globally. China has achieved a gradual increase in the population of these large cats through habitat restoration and improvements, according to Zhou Fei, Deputy General Director of WWF’s Beijing office. In recent years, China has implemented a hunting and trading moratorium on these animals, and the use of tiger bones in medicine has been completely banned.
One of the significant achievements for tiger conservation in China is the establishment of the Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park, covering an area of over 1.4 million hectares in Jilin and Heilongjiang provinces. Currently, around 70 Amur tigers, one of the world's most endangered species, inhabit the park. Last year, 20 tiger cubs were born there, a fact that brings great pride to the Chinese people.
International Tiger Day has been celebrated annually on July 29 since 2010, following the adoption of the Declaration in St. Petersburg aimed at uniting the efforts of all countries within the tiger's habitat to save and conserve their populations.
There are six recognized subspecies of tigers, each with unique characteristics: Bengal, Indochinese, Malayan, Amur, South China, and Sumatran tigers. The Bengal tiger, primarily found in India, is the most numerous. Notably, each tiger has a unique pattern of stripes, akin to human fingerprints; no two tigers in the wild have the same pattern.
Participants discussed the boundary between nature and ecotourism, whether mass visits to unique areas can remain safe, the responsibilities of investors, and how to prepare tourists for visiting specially protected natural areas.
The head of state expressed confidence that the Forum will be held at a high level, and that its results will contribute to the development of tourism in Russia and the expansion of humanitarian and business ties.
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