Protecting Tigers

We are thrilled to share with you the results from a recent census which shows the Amur tiger population is increasing in Russia. The census was carried out across the entire range of the Amur tiger. The results are extremely encouraging - there was estimated to be approximately 750 individual tigers, compared to an estimate of 523-540 from the previous census in 2014-15. It is believed that this increase is partially down to a decrease in poaching, which has dropped by approximately two thirds in the last ten years.

The census data indicated the presence of Amur tigers in areas where they have not been seen before and interestingly the data from the count also show that Amur tigers have changed their diet. African swine fever has reduced the number of boars in the tiger range, thereby decreasing their share in the tiger diet. Looking for prey, tigers have begun to move around more in their habitat and hunt Manchurian wapiti, roe deer and sika deer, which allowed them to safely survive in difficult times. As such, conservation efforts will now include the monitoring of these prey species populations.

However, is vital that anti-poaching efforts continue to provide a continuous pressure and deterrent to poachers. Across the five protected areas and one nature reserve supported by DSWF our ground-based conservation partners have seen a 7% decline in wildlife related violations in 2022 compared to statistics from 2021. The team on the ground have been kept busy fighting a number of violations in the past six months of which the following statistics have been reported:

• 201 violations revealed
• 5 poachers detained
• 77 administrative citations issued for illegal entry into a nature reserve
• 9 firearms seized
• 2 criminal cases initiated
• £11,750 in fines imposed

These are great results that have resulted from enhanced patrols which have increased by 22% on foot and 17% by motor vehicle in the past six months. The growth of patrol efforts as well as the introduction of SMART technology has led to a significant drop in wildlife related violations in the past three years and has significantly enhanced decision-making and law enforcement efforts.

Community Engagement

42 eco-lessons have been provided for a total of 679 children during the past six months. The children have gained an in-depth knowledge about the Amur tiger, its biology, ecology, habitat, prey base, threats to its survival, and conservation methods.

Sadly, the annual Tiger Day celebrations were cancelled in 2022, but our partners on the ground still put together a programme of educational contests and entertainment events dedicated to the Amur tiger, which 400 children took part in. A further 500 people took part in a tiger themed concert.

Continued community support for the conservation of the Amur tiger is absolutely vital to its survival. DSWF will continue with your support to fight, protect and engage of behalf of the tiger across Asia.

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Tigers in India

DSWF continues to protect tigers in India by supporting our long-standing ground-based conservation partner Aaranyak based in Assam. In the last year we have focused on improving law enforcement in the region, enhancing patrols through K9 units and continuing vital education work.

Law Enforcement

Poaching remains a challenge in the Assam region as tigers and rhinos continue to be being targeted as well as many other smaller species. 21 poachers were arrested in the last six months, 14 weapons were seized from various parts of Assam from wildlife poachers by law enforcement agencies and three prosecutions were made. Sadly, increasingly professionalised poaching outfits continue to operate in the region. Improvements to law enforcement are having an impact. Aaranyak’s work has had a hugely positive impact on law enforcement efforts. A number of workshops were held to improve conservation awareness and to provide education on legal protections for threatened wildlife. 150 officials attended workshops in this period. These workshops have allowed Aaranyak to enhance and maintain their already strong existing relationships with judicial officers, police, forest agencies and other paramilitary and border police agencies. The increased coordination and strengthening of relationships have been crucial in the fight against poaching.

K9 Units

Also crucial to tiger protection efforts are K9 sniffer dogs, supported by DSWF. Along with their handlers, the dogs have covered around 1,275km in the last year, providing support to rhino and tiger protection patrols within the protected areas. Jubi –a female dog has provided remarkable service in Kaziranga since 2011 and is now enjoying a well-deserved retirement. Tragically, Babli the second female K9, died in June. She sustained an injury while on patrol and was unable to recover. Babli and her handler Goura have been providing vital support in Orang National Park for the past four years and she will be sadly missed. DSWF are presently funding the training of two new K9’s to replace Babli and Jorba and continue their vital conservation efforts.

Education

Aaranyak successfully delivered 40 ‘Rhino and Tiger Goes to school’ days in the region, with 1,500 students reached in total. The extremely popular programme teaches children about local flora and fauna and about human-wildlife co-existence. It aims to instil in children a sense of pride in the biodiversity of the area which they live and encourage an increased affinity with rhinos and tigers. The evaluation of the days has shown they have been successful in giving children an awareness of rhino and tiger behaviour, habitat and protection and wider conservation issues, all in a fun and engaging way. They have also been successful in encouraging the publics reporting of wild animals outside of protected areas, assisting rescue efforts.

Several other educational activities have been organized in the last year. A nature orientation camp was held for students in Orang National Park in conjunction with national park authorities. The camp aimed at giving children an appreciation of nature and a positive perception of wildlife as well as encouraging environmentally friendly practices such as the reduction of waste. The Assam Government intends to add an additional 200 square kilometres of area to the park, more than tripling its area from the current 78.8 square kilometers.This would provide an incredible opportunity for more rhino and tiger protection. For this to happen, the support of the local community is essential and events like this are crucial in getting the support of local villages.

Without your support this vital work would not be possible. DSWF relies entirely on donations and support from generous individuals like you to continue to fight wildlife crime, protect species and engage individuals and communities to ensure a brighter future for wildlife. So thank you again for helping to give tigers a chance of survival. 

Find out more about our work with Tigers