WCS researcher Bart Schleyer uses
telemetry to locate a radio-collared
tiger. Radio collars allow researchers to
track tigers year-round, learning
about how tigers live, and what they
need to survive.
- After tracking over 60 radio-collared tigers since 1992, WCS has
uncovered a wealth of new information about tigers at the northern
limits of their range.
- Approximately 80% of tiger mortality in
Russia is caused by humans. Protection from human-induced mortality
would increase tiger density and reproduction, as tigresses could live
long enough to ensure their offspring’s reproductive success.
- Tigers
produce on average 2.4 cubs every 21 months, but about 50% of cubs die
before reaching one year of age (many die when their mothers are
poached).
- Each female tiger requires about 250-450 km2;
therefore the largest protected area within the tiger range
(Sikhote-Alin Reserve, 4,000 km2) shelters only 10-15 tigresses.
- Red
deer, wild boar and sika deer make up about 85% of the tiger's diet, so
managing these species is vital to tiger conservation.
- Dispersing young tigers may wander over 200 km in search of their own territory.
- Amur tiger mortality is greater in areas with roads than in remote roadless areas.
Back to the Siberian Tiger Project main page.