July 21, 2005 — The number of Siberian tigers in captivity in China has been climbing, raising hopes for the future of the highly endangered species, state media reported Thursday.

Last year, there were 460 Siberian tigers in captivity. This year, with the recent addition of five cubs at China's Heilongjiang Siberian Tiger Park, the number has risen to 524, the Xinhua news agency reported.

"The large population can be translated into an improvement in the genetic diversity of the rare animal," said Liu Dan, chief engineer of China's largest Siberian tiger breeding base.

The Siberian tiger, listed as one of the world's top 10 endangered animals by the World Wildlife Fund, is under state protection in China.

Fewer than 300 are believed to survive in the wild, fewer than 10 of them in China, Xinhua said.

Observing the animal's current reproductive pattern, Liu predicted that the number could rise to between 570 and 580 by the end of this year — a vast improvement from the situation some 20 years ago when there were only eight.

Poaching, smuggling and trading of Siberian tigers is illegal in China, but the survival of the species is also threatened by a shrinking genetic pool.

In comparison with their wild ancestors, some tigers in captivity suffer from retarded growth, deformation and semi-developed organs, the report said.

---

Name: Amur Tiger, aka Siberian Tiger (Panthera tigris altaica)
Primary Classification: Felidae (Cats)
Location: Siberia and Manchuria.
Habitat: Mountainous conifer forests.
Diet: Deer, antelope, wild pig, cattle, young elephants and water buffalo.
Size: Up to 10.75 feet in length and 660 lbs in weight.
Description: Pale orange coat with black, vertical stripes; white fur around eye, neck and chest; broad, muscular body; long, sensitive whiskers; long legs with sharp, retractable claws; long tail.
Cool Facts: It is the largest member of the cat family.
Conservation Status: Endangered
Major Threats: Poaching and habitat loss.
What Can I Do?: Visit the The Tiger Foundation, Tiger Link and Global Tiger Patrol for further information on how you can help.

Get More News: