IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Aramilev, V.V.; Miquelle, D.; Quigley, H. | |
| Leasing habitat for the Amur tiger | |
| 1999 Full Book | |
In the Russian Far East, conservation of the Amur tiger will depend on the survival and well-being of tiger populations living on unprotected lands just as much as those living within a network of protected areas. Presently a great opportunity exists to implement wildlife management regimes on unprotected lands that will be beneficial to tiger conservation. We used a grant of $20,800 from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's _Save the Tiger Fund _to lease 165,000 ha of land in Olginski Raion, Primorski Krai, Russia, as a hunting lease, to be managed by the Institute of Sustainable Use of Natural Resources with the three-pronged goal of securing tiger habitat, increasing prey densities, and providing a source of revenue for local inhabitants. Much of the hunting lease, which was found to contain at least 11 tigers (including a female with cubs), is slated to become part of a proposed national park, but until such time, there would have been no or poor control of how wildlife resources would be utilized. With the guidance of a strong director, Southern Valley Hunting Lease has successfully secured lands through July 2003, and has begun a series of initiatives to gain control of the region. Anti-poaching raids, some in combination with the Amba patrols, have been important in demonstrating commitment to protection of resources. Appropriate management of ungulate and fur-bearers has begun, including conducting the mandated yearly surveys. A financial plan developed for the lease suggests that the organization may become financially viable in 4-5 years, but that start-up funds, such as those provided by the Save the Tiger Fund, are critical for quick, effective initiation of activities. Funds in addition to those obtained from managing wildlife resources will likely be necessary for future financial security. The results of this project are a first step in demonstrating the feasibility of integrating tiger conservation on multiple use lands in the Russian Far East. |
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