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Programme to Protect Rare Tigers
A US$17.65-million scheme to protect the South China tigers has been launched by forestry officials in Longyan, in East China's Fujian Province. No more than 30 of the tigers are thought to be living in the wild in China.
Thanks to the project, six South China tigers were settled at a park in Meihuashan National Nature Reserve in Longyan earlier this month.
The tiger park occupies 466 hectares and is closed to local residents in order to protect its natural environment.
The protection project is aimed at restoring the fortunes of the endangered species, said Tong Changliang, an official with Longyan Forestry Bureau in charge of wild animal protection in the region.
Its ultimate aim is to return many of the tigers to the wild.
Apart from the 30 South China tigers in the wild, there are believed to be 59 in zoos. Some experts are worried that by 2010 the species will have perished in the wild altogether.
Since the early 1990s, dozens of people have seen the tigers in the wild in Meihuashan, although no photos exist.
Experts hope tigers raised in captivity will mate with wild tigers after they are released into the forests.
"We believe the animals will be able to find each other instinctively in the wild," Tong said.
According to the forestry official, the project will cost 146 million yuan (US$17.65 million) and last for several years.
The park will try to raise as many as 100 tigers by 2010.
These will be fed with living animals over wider and wider areas to try to revive their natural instincts.
"Young tigers are first fed with hens but, after a while, they are able to snatch running rabbits," said Zhang Jinzhong, director of the park.
Tong admitted a shortage of funds would be a big problem as food for a tiger costs more than 10,000 yuan (US$1,205) a year. Although tourist income will be one way to help bring in money, the project will also depend on donations and government help.
Tong's words were echoed by Zhang, who called on the central government to invest in the project.
Xiao Hong, an official with the animal protection department of the State Forestry Administration, said she did not know of the project, but if the park is designated a national area it should get financial aid.
Tong and Zhang also hope the international community give support.
However, James Harkness, representative from the World Wild Fund (WWF), said his organization might not be interested in supporting the scheme because it was difficult to get tigers brought up in captivity adapt to the wild.
"We would prefer to use our money to protect those already in the wild," he said.
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