Russian scientists count dwindling Siberian Tigers

January 25, 2002

MOSCOW - Scientists in Russia's far east have begun a count of the dwindling numbers of Siberian tigers, one of the world's endangered species, Itar-Tass news agency said yesterday.

There is no exact figure for the number of Siberian tigers still roaming wild in the far eastern forest wilderness and much sought-after by poachers.

But wildlife experts place the figure at between 300 and 400 - less than the number of tigers in captivity, estimated at around 490.

Widespread poaching, loss of habitat and lack of government funds to protect Siberia's wildlife has caused a sharp fall in numbers of both tigers and leopards.

Though the number of tigers remained stable during the Soviet era, the opening of Russia's borders with the fall of communism in 1991 brought increased poaching, mainly from Asian countries where tiger body parts are used in traditional medicine.

The tigers, protected by the Russian government, are regularly counted.

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