Years ago, encountering a tiger and filming it was a stroke of incredible luck in the Russian Far East. Today, however, these curious wild cats have been recorded gracefully posing for cameras alongside roads numerous times. In 2023 alone there have been over 30 videos taken of Amur tigers by the public.
While being seen across the whole region, the southern parts of Primorsky Krai - the areas with high human population and dense road networks - are the major source of tiger footage. These majestic creatures are becoming less afraid, often observing cars from a safe distance before moving away.
The sightings are of course a testament to successful conservation efforts helping to bolster tiger population numbers in the area. However, amid admiration, reports show conflicts with pets and livestock on the rise. Experts attribute this to not only the population increase but also the sharp decline in wild boar populations, forcing tigers to seek alternate prey and traverse areas intersected by roads.
While it remains a privilege to see these majestic big cats in the wild. Rising incidents of tiger conflict, exacerbated by declining prey populations and habitat disturbance from logging, demand urgent conservation actions for long-term sustainability.
WildCats Conservation Alliance is supporting research and conservation action to ensure the future of Amur tigers as they encounter the stressors of the modern world. Help us protect this growing population, their habitat, and the species they share it with.
Credit to various members of the public for the video content captured.