Deer and wild boar are key tiger prey species. Low densities of prey populations is the primary obstacle to an increase in tiger numbers. In winter, boar and deer often find themselves stuck in snowdrifts and unable to reach food. Specialists from Anyuisky National Park clear roads and set up feeding stations. The more deer and wild boar that survive, the more food tigers can find in the forest. © Phoenix Fund.
In 2010/11, The Rufford Foundation provided a grant of £20,000 to Phoenix Fund.
Amur Tiger Conservation in Russia
The project’s goal is to enhance Amur tiger conservation through strengthening anti-poaching efforts and conducting environmental education and outreach activities. The main objectives of the project are:
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To strengthen the capacity of anti-poaching teams of Anyuisky National Park (Khabarovsky krai) by providing funds for fuel, spare parts and repairs.
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To educate the public and engage local communities to actively participate in conservation through community outreach, educational activities at schools, art contests, outreach materials, and Journalists’ Awards.
Within the framework of the project Phoenix Fund has been supporting anti-poaching activities in Anyuisky National Park in Khabarovsky krai that was established to restore and conserve biological diversity and wildlife habitat. According to a census in 2009/10, at least seven to eight tigers reside in the park. It is home to as many as 494 plant species, 31 of which are rare or endangered, and 360 vertebrate species, including 61 mammals, 244 birds, eight reptiles, seven amphibians and 40 fishes. Illegal hunting poses a serious threat to the survival of tigers.
Saving the Amur tiger depends ultimately on the Russian people, especially those living within the tiger habitat. Phoenix Fund recognises that it is the education of the community that will ensure the survival of the tiger in the long-term and proposes an intensive tiger education and outreach programme comprising in-school and outdoor activities, support for educators and eco-centres and Journalists’ Award.
