As spring breathes new life into the Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park, a heartwarming sight unfolds among its majestic inhabitants. With rising temperatures, several Siberian tigers and their playful cubs are enjoying what experts describe as a \"spring break.\"
At the heart of this resurgence is a young mother tiger, identified as number 44, who is just six years old. Professor Feng Limin from the School of Life Sciences at Beijing Normal University highlights her impressive maternal skills, noting that she successfully raised three cubs from her first litter last year. This year, her second litter of three cubs is thriving, showcasing her resilience and nurturing nature.
The park's monitoring center employs a state-of-the-art real-time monitoring system that meticulously tracks the lives of each Siberian tiger and Amur leopard. Recent data reveals that over the past couple of months, numerous tiger mothers have been seen basking in the warm sunshine with their young ones. Typically, these litters consist of two to three cubs, with some mothers even raising four, and most cubs are expected to reach adulthood.
Duan Zhaogang, the director of the administration bureau, shares promising news: in 2023 alone, eight Siberian tiger breeding families were recorded, with cub survival rates soaring from less than 20 percent to nearly 50 percent. This significant improvement underscores the enhanced quality of the park's habitat and marks a notable recovery in its ecological functions.
The positive trends aren't limited to tigers. Over the past two months, Amur leopard mothers have also been nurturing their newborn cubs, who are robust and growing well. With fewer than 100 individuals remaining globally, the Amur leopard's status as a critically endangered species makes these advancements even more encouraging. Both the Siberian tiger and Amur leopard are under first state-level protection in China, reflecting the nation's commitment to preserving its invaluable wildlife.
The thriving populations of these iconic species signal a hopeful future for the Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park. Continued conservation efforts and habitat improvements are paving the way for a sustainable and vibrant ecosystem.
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Siberian tigers enjoy family time in NE China's national park
cgtn.com
