Protecting Tigers

As 2024 draws to a close, we are pleased to share the progress and challenges from our tiger conservation efforts in Thailand, made possible by the continued support of our GlobalGiving community. This year, we have seen steady advancements in our tiger monitoring, protection, and habitat conservation work, though not without some setbacks caused by climate-induced events. 

Despite the challenges posed by forest fires and the outbreak of African Swine Fever, which reduced the wild boar population – a crucial prey species for tigers – we have made important strides. While rangers were diverted from regular patrols to fight fires, we were able to maintain a robust monitoring presence, with camera traps continuing to capture valuable data on tiger populations. Over the course of the year, we recorded eight individual tigers, including a new female, Balakol, who was released into Thap Lan National Park in May and later recorded in Pang Sida in June, bringing much-needed genetic diversity into the region’s eastern tiger population. 

In addition to regular monitoring and surveying activities, our team continued to engage in complementary activities such as stakeholder meetings and policy development. A major milestone this year was the signing of a new five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of National Parks (DNP), aimed at preserving biodiversity in Thailand’s World Heritage Sites, an important step for the future of tigers and other endangered species in the region. 

Though we have faced challenges, including the ongoing threat of snares targeting wild boar, we remain optimistic. The Banteng population—a species of wild cattle native to Southeast Asia—is thriving in Ta Phraya, which is a positive sign for the local ecosystem. This healthy prey population is vital for the survival of tigers, the majestic animals we are dedicated to protecting. 

As we reflect on this year’s challenges and achievements, we are grateful for the unwavering support of our donors. Your contributions are crucial in helping us protect tigers and their habitats for future generations. 

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David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) has been at the forefront of Amur tiger conservation since 1994. Our journey took a pivotal turn in 1998 with the founding of the Phoenix Fund by Sergei Bereznuk. This partnership solidified our presence on the ground, enabling nearly three decades of continuous support for the Amur tiger, a species whose population, though fragile and isolated, showed signs of stabilising and slight growth over this period.

The invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022 led to significant global repercussions, including severe political and financial sanctions on Russian entities. This created substantial challenges for our conservation efforts in Russia, as the risk of corruption and state interference grew. Nevertheless, DSWF's extensive experience, spanning four decades, along with strong relationships and backup contacts, allowed us to continue channelling funds securely for conservation purposes.

Despite these efforts, we anticipated the unfortunate outcome of state intervention. Regrettably, this has now materialised, forcing the Phoenix Fund to cease operation. However, through foresight and continuous communication with Phoenix, we ensured that our support concluded without compromise.

Ussuri, our Amur tiger ambassador, was a symbol of our dedication to the species. Named after the region where these tigers are found, Ussuri was part of a monitoring programme by Phoenix and played a crucial role in the recovery of her species by giving birth to two cubs in early 2022. We are happy to report that Ussuri and her cubs remain alive and well, despite the challenges faced.

Despite the turbulent political and economic climate, the last five years have seen significant achievements in our conservation efforts for the Amur tiger:

• Ranger Patrols: Over 1,000,000 km of foot and motorised ranger patrols were conducted to protect the Amur tiger.
• Conservation Education: We provided eco-lessons and organised an annual art competition, reaching 17,000 children and raising awareness about tiger conservation.
• Community Engagement: 21,000 people participated in Tiger Day festivals, celebrating the Amur tiger and fostering community support for conservation.

These efforts have been instrumental in maintaining the stability of the endangered Amur tiger population in one of its last strongholds.

We remain deeply concerned about the impact of the current situation on key wildlife populations in the region. DSWF will continue to monitor the situation closely, even without an in-country partner, and hope that a solution can be found before the threat of extinction becomes imminent. Despite these challenges, we are optimistic that the Amur tiger will endure, and we take pride in what we have accomplished with your support.

We are immensely proud of the significant work achieved with Amur Tigers, thanks to your unwavering support. The conservation of endangered tigers remains a priority for DSWF, and we will continue to do everything in our power to protect these majestic animals for generations to come.

DSWF will still be working to protect tigers through supporting our frontline tiger conservation initiatives in India and Thailand, areas that are home to some of the last populations of critically endangered tiger sub-species – including the Indochinese tiger in Thailand. We are still providing funding for undercover investigations and exposés into the illegal wildlife trade, and supporting law enforcement, habitat protection, and education and community engagement programmes.

In Assam, India, our partners’ Rhino and Tiger Go To School Programme recently organised a two-day Conservation and Education Consultation. This event aimed to develop a strategic approach to conservation education, engaging a broad spectrum of participants—from children to the elderly—in discussions on sustainable resource management, biodiversity conservation, and the preservation of traditional knowledge and cultural values. The consultation was a platform for sharing insights on model-village development, heritage education, and the importance of intergenerational knowledge transfer in sustaining conservation efforts.

Our partner’s commitment to integrating traditional practices with modern conservation strategies is exemplified by their initiatives in promoting alternative and sustainable livelihoods. These efforts, supported by DSWF, aim to ensure that local communities can thrive economically while contributing to the conservation of tigers and their habitats.

Furthering these educational efforts, our partners also held a 20-day summer nature camp in collaboration with DSWF and the Orang National Park & Tiger Reserve Authority. The camp, attended by 50 students, combined academic instruction with environmental awareness training, aiming to instil a deep understanding of conservation among the next generation. Experts in wildlife and conservation led sessions that highlighted the importance of protecting natural resources and wildlife.

As always, thank you for your generous support in providing a more sustainable future for tigers, and the communities that live alongside them.

Stay up to date with our work and how your generous support is making a difference, receive exciting wildlife conservation stories and hear about forthcoming campaigns, fundraising initiatives, and events: Sign Up