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| Organization: |
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WildAid |
| Grant Amount: |
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$35000 |
| Program Area: |
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Habitat Program, Russia |
| Post Date: |
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3/1/2001 |
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The illegal hunting of endangered and protected species is a multifaceted problem. Protected areas are often surrounded by very poor communities where poaching may be one of few economic opportunities. In addition, governments in developing countries are often unable to afford to enforce wildlife protection laws. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, poachers took advantage of the resulting turmoil to hunt the Siberian tiger to the brink of extinction.
Turner Foundation awarded WildAid project support for Phoenix, a local Russian NGO created by WildAid, to assist in educational programs and efforts to increase environmental awareness in the Russian Far East. In addition, support was awarded for Operation Amba, a last-ditch effort to stop illegal poaching and save the Siberian tiger from extinction. Thanks to WildAid's support, the Siberian tiger population is now the only tiger population in the world, scientists believe, to be on the increase. Prior to Operation Amba, an estimated 60 to 70 tigers were killed each year by commercial poachers who sold the body parts (skins, bones, etc) to black market traders. By 1995, the population was thought to have dramatically decreased to 250-300 individuals. Today, poaching is down to about 8 to 10 animals per year, and the population has grown to 400-450 tigers. Operation Amba began with only ten rangers, but with WildAid’s support, it now has over 22 rangers, whose increased visibility has not only led to a dramatic decrease in poaching, but also positive coverage in the local media. This exposure has helped the teams garner support of locals, who have begun to provide information on poachers.
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