Tigers Coming Down the Mountain: Should We Return Them to the Wild?
Recently, a video showing a Northeast tiger crashing into a residential iron fence has sparked widespread discussion online. Why did it appear in the village, and what should one do if they encounter a tiger?
Northeast China’s vast temperate coniferous and mixed forests are the natural habitat of the Northeast tiger, an area that once spanned approximately 300,000 square kilometers. By the early 21st century, wild Northeast tigers had almost disappeared from China. A joint investigation by experts from China, Russia, and the United States in 1998-1999 estimated that only 12 to 16 Northeast tigers remained in the country at that time.
The Recovery of the Northeast Tiger Population
As China has implemented extensive natural forest protection programs, areas previously used for timber production have transitioned into nature reserves, and conservation enforcement has increased. Many wild animals, including the Northeast tiger, have begun to reappear in human-dominated landscapes. Monitoring data indicates that the Northeast tiger population in China rose from 27 individuals between 2012 and 2014 to about 70 today. Particularly significant was the establishment of the Northeast Tiger and Leopard National Park on October 12, 2016, at the junction of China, Russia, and North Korea, which has created cross-border ecological corridors for tiger movement.
The latest data from the National Forestry and Grassland Administration shows that within the park, the number of Northeast tigers has increased to around 70, with eight breeding families and over 20 cubs recorded in 2023, spanning an area exceeding 11,000 square kilometers.
Understanding Tiger Behavior and Human Encounters
For tigers, the boundaries set by humans do not apply. As their population grows, their need for space increases. Newly born tigers will disperse in search of new habitats as they mature. Each winter, challenges in obtaining prey and the instinct to mate may drive tigers closer to human settlements, which likely explains the recent sighting of a Northeast tiger in Boli County, Qitaihe City.
Although there are no historical records of tigers in Boli County, a healthy male Northeast tiger entered a village in Mishan City, adjacent to Qitaihe, on April 23, 2021. This tiger was quickly captured, rehabilitated, and released, and has been spotted numerous times in its natural habitat since.
As the Northeast tiger population increases, the likelihood of human encounters in forested areas is also rising. Many people worry that tigers pose a threat to livestock and humans; however, studies show that wild tigers primarily prefer wild boar and sika deer as their main food sources. Tigers do not typically avoid human activity, but they tend to be nocturnal and crepuscular, rarely attacking humans unless provoked.
Safety Measures and Coexistence
Currently, a robust early warning and monitoring system has been established in the Northeast Tiger and Leopard National Park and other regions. This system not only tracks the survival status of wildlife populations but also alerts the public to potential safety threats. Signs are placed in remote forest areas to caution people when they enter zones frequented by wildlife.
If one finds themselves in these regions, it’s essential to remain vigilant and leave the area promptly to avoid encroaching on tiger territory. In the event of an unexpected encounter, it is crucial to stay calm, avoid making sudden movements, and slowly back away while making noise to divert the tiger’s attention. Running away can provoke an attack.
“Human-tiger conflict” is an uncommon occurrence, while “human-tiger coexistence” should be the norm. For millennia, tigers and humans have shared the planet, but human development has encroached upon tiger habitats. The recent resurgence of tigers, following conservation efforts, is a positive sign that forest ecosystems are gradually recovering.
Moving Toward a Cooperative Future
Rather than attempting to chase tigers away, we should seek to guide their return kindly. This could involve reducing human activities in critical tiger habitats and maintaining more natural environments. Developing eco-tourism activities in the park’s periphery could also provide local residents with income while allowing visitors to experience nature up close.
This approach may represent a direction for future discussions on how humans can coexist with tigers and other wildlife.
The return of the Northeast tiger to its natural habitat serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between conservation and human activity. By fostering understanding and cooperation, we can ensure a sustainable future for both wildlife and communities.
