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Raising awareness for Amur tigers Art and action have come together in Russia this year to help raise awareness for the Amur tiger. In the summer, to tie in with International Tiger Day, young wildlife artists sent more than 2,000 paintings of Amur tigers and leopards to the TigerTime supported Phoenix Fund for its ninth annual drawing competition. The winning entries have been made into wall and pocket calendars and are being sold to help raise funds and awareness. The last weekend of September also welcomed a spectacular display in Vladivostok, the capital of Primorsky province, Russia, in support of the Amur tiger. Join TigerTime by signing up at www.tigertime.info 2014 represents the 15th anniversary of the colourful ‘Tiger Day’ festival designed to raise awareness of the importance of the Amur tiger to biodiversity in the Russian Far East. For the first time ever it was held over two days. Thousands took to the streets in a colourful parade demonstrating the concern and affection Russians have for their tigers. “We now have to turn this passion into action and work hard at funding anti-poaching and park protection as well as campaigning for an end to the trade in tiger parts,” said TigerTime manager, Vicky Flynn
Russia Anti-poaching and educational awareness to protect the Amur tiger Five go wild in Russia Earlier this year the biggest ever release of rehabilitated Amur tigers took place in the Russian Far East when five of the rare cats were returned to the wild. This incredible event was made possible thanks to people from all over the world including those who made donations for the animals’ food and medication. “Human animal conflict is increasing as people continue to expand into or destroy wildlife habitat,” explains Project Director, Sergei Bereznuk. “In most cases when humans and wildlife collide sadly it’s the wildlife that suffers, leaving adults dead and their cubs orphaned. Rescue and rehabilitation gives these wild cats a second chance to live free in their natural habitat.” In May, after a long rehabilitation period the first three Amur tigers were released into the wild in Zhelundindsky Wildlife Refuge, in the north-western part of the Amur tiger range with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin in attendance. Two tiger brothers, Kuzya and Borya, together with their sister Businka had been found in November 2012. Extremely emaciated, frostbitten and unable to survive on their own in the wild, they were taken to a rehabilitation centre in Primorsky Krai. Sadly, the tigress died after succumbing to Feline calicivirus disease. Ilona, the third tiger to be released was found in February 2013 when she was six or seven months old. Before their release Kuzya, Borya and Ilona were given a full health-check and fitted with satellite collars to allow rangers and scientists to monitor their movements. In June, the remaining two cubs Svetlaya and Ustin left the rehabilitation centre for release into the north of the Jewish Autonomous Region, a 1,200km nonstop drive followed by an all-terrain vehicle ride into the Zhuravliny Wildlife Refuge. At dusk, the cages were set down far from human settlements in an area rich in wild boar and deer. “Monitoring of all five tigers is now ongoing,” says Sergei. “And the good news is that the satellite data shows they have adapted successfully and are now enjoying their freedom.” Although Kuzya was one of the most cautious tigers, after the release he moved off alone and within the first two months covered over 200km. Initial worries about his ability to hunt successfully were put to rest when remains of a large boar were found near him. Svetlaya and Ustin stayed together for a while before separating and slowly establishing their own territories. None of the five tigers have strayed near human settlements. “We are delighted that these tigers have been successfully returned to the wild. They represent such vital diversity in the Amur tiger population that is estimated at fewer than 500. Phoenix would like to thank everyone who contributed to the tigers rehabilitation through TigerTime. Your support means that the tigers now have the chance of a long and happy life,” adds Sergei. DONATE to support our work PUTIN’S TIGER In October, one of the tigers that Vladamir Putin’s helped release ‘Kuzya’ (pictured above) was tracked crossing the border from Russia into China setting off a wave of panic among Chinese authorities keen to protect the tiger from poachers. Snares were removed and a state of high alert was put into force. For Kuzya, like all tigers, borders are meaningless and he is simply following his instinct to find and establish a new territory. Let’s hope that China keeps Kuzya safe as well as the tiny pocket of Amur tigers that live along the Russo-Chinese border and that Kuzya helps establish a new population of these rare tigers. DONATE to save the tiger: http://www.davidshepherd.org/help-us/tiger-time/donate/
Page 1 and 2: Autumn 2014 Issue Four TigerTime Ne
Page 3 and 4: Action CHINA No domestic ban on tig
Page 5 and 6: DONATE to save the tiger today Magi
Page 7: ndercover investigation “The tige
Page 11 and 12: for TigerTime Artist Richard Symond
Page 13 and 14: ave the tiger tes to our work to sa
Page 15 and 16: Exclusive Emily Lamb scarves availa
Page 17 and 18: NEW POSTERS FREE TO DOWNLOAD Discov
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