Fast Facts - STP

Alt Text
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.

 

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