China and Russia Join Hands in First Tiger Transboundary Protected Area

Chinese and Russian officials shaking hands in partnership

Siberian tiger

The neighboring provinces of Jilin in China and Primorsky in Russia have recently joined forces in establishing first transboundary protected area for Amur tigers (also called Siberian tigers). The treaty was signed by the Jilin Provincial Forestry Department of China, the Wildlife and Hunting Department of Primorsky, and the Bureau on Protection of Rare and Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna. In addition to working on the establishment of the protection area, the two sides will also partner up to restore the endangered species. According to Yu Changchun, Director of Conservation Department of Jilin Forestry Department, the area will not only provide a healthy habitat for tigers but also other endangered species such as the Amur leopard, the musk deer, and the goral (an Asian species of goat-antelope). Another part of the agreement is that the provinces will increase the sharing of information on the Siberian tiger and Amur leopard protection. They will also participate in adopting identical monitoring systems for both the tigers and their prey, conduct communal ecological surveys, and foster plans to launch an anti-poaching campaign along the China-Russia border.

I feel very proud that the nations of China and Russia are teaming up, in order to provide further protection for each other's wildlife. In this case, it is the tiger. However, it's also interesting that the two neighbors have taken a step further in the protection of other critically endangered species, such as the Amur leopards. These magnificent subspecies of leopards are estimated to be around 30 to 35 individuals. I hope that with the effect of this agreement, the population of these leopards will remain protected from the ruthless hands of poachers.

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