The Next Steps
There is not enough currently being done to save the Siberian Tiger. Ramping up conservation and preservation efforts by funding enforcement of laws and policies and putting a full stop to illegal logging and poaching are the most important steps to take going forward. Pushing governments to have a more active approach to protecting endangered species and continuing funding of nonprofits organizations will help us reach this goal of conservation.
The level of involvement of governments and organizations to conserve and preserve endangered species can mean survival or extinction for the species. The more effort provided by these institutions will give the endangered species a better chance of recovery. Countries such as Russia, China, and the United States, accompanied by organizations such as the World Wildlife Foundation, National Geographic, and the World Conservation Society, have made great strides in the protection and recovery of the Siberian Tiger. Yet there is always more that can be done.
The Next Steps
Maddy's Opinion Article
Stopping Illegal Logging
Implementing strict laws and regulations surrounding Siberian Tiger habitat is essential to slow the disappearance of the species. Illegal logging currently poses the biggest threat to tigers since it causes habitat fragmentation and destruction. Logging of the Russian Far East forests is occurring at an unsustainable rate and needs to be decreased drastically if tigers populations will be able to recover (Illegal Logging in the Russian Far East, 2015).
While logging in Russia has restrictions and regulations, illegal logging is still happening. There needs to be more protection of forests and harsher consequences when illegal loggers are caught, which will hopefully deter further deforestation of tiger habitats.
What You Can Do
As global citizens it is our duty to ensure that our governments create and enforce laws and regulations that will protect the Siberian Tiger and other endangered species. This can be done by peacefully protesting, signing petitions and pledges, or even something as simple and easy as sending an email. We must make it known to our governments that protecting endangered species and preserving Earth’s natural environments is of great importance, and hopefully our governments will listen and join our efforts.
It is also important to continue to fund sustainable organizations that are already working to save the Siberian Tiger and other endangered species. Donating to organizations such as the World Wildlife Foundation, National Geographic, and the Wildlife Conservation Society will help to ensure the Siberian Tiger’s survival and the recovery of other endangered species as well.
Visit our What You Can Do page to find petitions, pledges, and ways to donate to help save the Siberian Tiger!
Similar to the illegal logging situation, there needs to be more heavily enforced laws when it comes to poaching and more severe ramifications for poachers. This will mean hiring anti-poaching rangers, creating national parks or nature reserves to protect tigers more effectively, harsher consequences for poachers and illegal animal traders, or all of the above.
Ending Poaching
Poaching is a major threat to Siberian Tigers, even with the banning of trade in endangered species. Tiger parts, specifically tiger bones, are an important part of traditional Chinese medicine, and the want for tiger parts has not been deterred by their trade being declared illegal.
The Convetion on International Trade in Endangered Species
The Siberian Tiger is protected under The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), an international agreement that aims to ensure that trade of wild fauna and flora does not threaten their survival as species. (CITES, 2013) Tigers are protected under CITES in several Asian nations, such as China, Nepal, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand, all of which have also endorsed protection for Siberian Tigers. These countries have enacted laws that focus on preserving tiger habitat and have banned trade of tiger parts, yet that still doesn’t seem to be enough. The black market has continued to thrive and has been fueling poachers and threaten the survival of the Siberian Tiger. (The Trade in Tiger Parts, Tigers In Crisis).
