 |
| Advanced Technologies in China Boost Siberian Tiger Conservation Efforts Image credit: Xinhuanet |
Surveillance drones, smart infrared cameras, and an integrated intelligent monitoring system have been developed by Chinese experts to protect Siberian tigers. These advancements have impressed Markus Radday, a Tiger Programme Officer at the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
Innovative Technologies and Collaboration
At a forum, Radday highlighted how these technologies help build an early warning system to prevent human-tiger conflicts, protecting both sides. Such achievements are possible only through close collaboration among scientists, institutions, and enterprises.
International Forum on Tiger and Leopard Conservation
The 2nd International Forum on Conservation and Recovery of Tiger and Leopard is currently being held in Harbin, the capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, from July 28 to 31. The forum includes discussions on global tiger and leopard population management, human-wildlife conflict resolution, and habitat restoration.
Population Recovery and Conservation Efforts
Siberian tigers, also known as Amur tigers, primarily inhabit northeast China and Russia's Far East. As one of the world's most endangered species, only 12 to 16 wild Siberian tigers were believed to be living in China in 1998. Since the 1990s, China has implemented numerous measures to boost their population and reclaim natural habitats, attracting international attention to their conservation initiatives.
Successful Conservation and Human-Tiger Coexistence
Markus Radday, a German expert who has spent 12 years working on tiger conservation in China, praised the country's success in rebuilding the Siberian tiger population and fostering harmonious human-tiger coexistence. He noted that China is one of five Asian countries making significant progress in tiger conservation and serves as a model for mitigating human-tiger conflicts using cost-effective technologies. This approach could be valuable for densely populated countries like India and Nepal.
International Perspectives and Challenges
Nay Myo Shwe, a researcher at King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi in Thailand and Head of Wildlife at WWF-Myanmar, emphasized the challenge of finding new solutions to human-tiger conflicts. As tiger populations increase, so do their territories, leading to more potential conflicts. Understanding the causes of these conflicts is essential to protect local communities.
Chris Hallam, WWF Regional Wildlife Lead for Asia Pacific, acknowledged that China's combination of expertise and strong government support is crucial for maintaining a healthy tiger population. Such experiences could benefit Southeast Asian regions where tiger numbers have declined in recent years.
Rising Wild Tiger Population
China is one of 13 countries home to tigers, and since 2010, the wild tiger population has increased. According to data from the Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park, approximately 70 wild Siberian tigers are now living in the park, with 20 cubs born last year.
Radday concluded, "To conserve tigers means conserving so much more, and I hope that China will play a greater role in the tigers' return to the forests."
By integrating advanced technologies and fostering international collaboration, China continues to make significant strides in Siberian tiger conservation, setting a precedent for global wildlife protection efforts.
0 Comments