Amur tiger

    Today, a tiger is killed every other day in the world, and only around 500 Amur tigers remain in the wild. Kolmården Foundation therefore supports the important conservation efforts being undertaken to protect this critically endangered species.

    Amur tigers are still threatened by poaching, partly for their valuable pelts and partly for their body parts, which are used in traditional Asian medicine. The tiger also competes with hunters for prey and occasionally takes livestock from local communities, which leads to it being hunted and killed in retaliation.

    In addition to posing a direct threat to humans, tigers themselves are threatened by our activities in their habitats. Forest fires, deforestation, roads, and housing developments have become increasingly common in otherwise pristine nature. This leads to the shrinking and fragmentation of tiger habitats, making it more difficult for them to find enough food and live without encountering — or directly competing with — humans.

    From Russia to China – A Shift in Focus

    Kolmården has supported conservation efforts for Amur tigers in Russia for many years, including through the Russian environmental organization Phoenix Fund. However, due to the current geopolitical situation, many international actors have been forced to scale back their operations in Russia. This has led to an increased focus on conservation work in China, where Amur tigers also live in the wild.

    The organization WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society), which has long been active in China, has intensified its efforts and continues working to protect the tigers and their habitats.

    Habitat Protection and Reducing Illegal Hunting

    The organization is developing methods to reduce illegal hunting of both tigers and their prey, as well as to increase protection of their habitats. At the same time, efforts are being made to raise awareness and educate people — especially children and youth — about the tiger’s role in the ecosystem.

    This includes the establishment of so-called eco-centers, where children learn about tigers, nature, and sustainability. Other initiatives include art competitions with tiger and leopard themes, festivals, lectures, theater performances, ecology games, quizzes, films, exhibitions, and workshops for teachers. The goal is to inspire interest in nature and engage the entire local community.

    These efforts align with the Global Tiger Recovery Program, the global plan to save the tiger.

    Other efforts

    The conservation work also includes:

    • Reducing conflicts between predators and humans
    • Caring for injured tigers and orphaned cubs
    • Fighting forest fires
    • Anti-poaching initiatives
    • Compensation for livestock loss
    • Community-based monitoring

    These measures have had an impact. More illegal hunters have been caught, more weapons seized — and as a result, poaching has decreased. The number of tigers in areas where the work is carried out has started to increase.

    This work benefits not only tigers but also helps protect other endangered species and combats illegal deforestation in the same areas.