siberian tiger safari russia

Track wild tigers in Siberia on this safari tour

Aug 9, 2018 • 2 min read

Siberian tigers are one of the world’s most endangered animals, and the natural habitat in which they live wild has shrunk significantly. Tracking and observing their movements is a key part in preserving the species, and thanks to this safari tour adventurous tourists can participate in it as well.

Organised by Natural World Safaris, a company based in Brighton, England , this safari tour will bring you to the cold taiga of Eastern Siberia  in Russia to search, observe and track the last Siberian tigers left in the wild.

According to a 2015 census, the population of wild Siberian tigers was around 560 individuals, and Siberia is their last well-preserved natural habitat. During the safari, which will take place in a wood cabin in the Durminskoye Reserve instituted by conservationist Alexander Batalov (who also leads the tour), you will go out each day to set camera traps and collect and examine the footage they'll record.

It’s unlikely you’ll actually come face to face with one, although it has happened before. But you will get to experience the tigers’ natural habitat and contribute to their preservation by tracking their movements and numbers. Fear not, though — the Durminskoye Reserve is home to plenty other animals, from snowy owls to red deer, and they’re certainly more easily sightable than the tigers.

This tour is part of Natural World Safaris’ “Frontier” series, a project that aims to “pioneer travel for adventurous souls,” not by “taking risks but by pushing boundaries,” as it says on the official website. Some other destinations include Chad and its population of lions and crocodiles, Djibouti and its whale sharks, Yukon in Canada with its ice grizzlies and Sri Lanka with its blue whales, the largest animals on the planet.

If you want to get more information on any of the Frontier safaris, you can look on the official website here .

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Tiger Safari: The Complete Guide

Published: April 16, 2024

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There was a time when you could see wild Tigers all over Asia, but now they are driven back into only 13 countries, with some projects in places like Africa to re-introduce them to the wild. The tiger remains the largest living cat in the world and is simply magnificent to observe.

Key Points on Tiger Safari

Close up. Image via Depositphotos

• There are 13 countries in the world where you can see wild tigers
• These places are India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Russia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, Indonesia
• India is the most famous spot to see tigers, with over 70% of the population and an 80% probability of seeing them
• Surprisingly, you can also see wild tigers in Africa (through the Tiger Canyon Project )

Our journey doesn’t start with safaris but with understanding the species— tiger habitats, behavior, and the delicate balance sustaining them. We’ll highlight global conservation efforts, battling poaching and illegal trade threatening these striped marvels. We’ll also explore the rarely understood realm of tiger-human encounters, discussing precautions while traversing their wild terrains.

Join us as we delve into tiger conservation, exploring global initiatives and the incredible experiences awaiting those encountering these jungle monarchs in their element.

Jump to any section or read the full article about Tiger Safaris worldwide.

Best Places to See Tigers

Do you want to find the best places to see tigers in the wild? Look at what we collected in the Tiger Safari or Tour guide.

We looked at the best places for tiger safari or global tours. You can see tigers in the wild in 13 different countries, but these 5 offer the highest sighting probability.

#1 Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh, India

India is home to seventy percent of the world’s tiger population, with the Bengal tiger population at 2226 during the last census in 2014. The state of Madhya Pradesh is India’s Tiger State; it is located a few hours south of Deli. 

India offers one of the best Tiger spotting opportunities in the world, with over 50 Tier resorts called the “Tiger State.” 

Best remote to see tigers in India, Source: YouTube, Uploaded: Animals around the globe

Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh is one of India’s most famous national parks due to its size. However, because of this size, one tries hard to get the tigers hoped for by every traveler also to face.  Unless one has nothing against the extremely questionable tiger show, where tigers are driven out of the undergrowth with the help of elephants, hordes of Indian families wait noisily with the car until the elephant is ready to carry the customers up to the tiger. 

Apart from the waiting times, which can amount to up to 2 hours, this arrangement is for those really interested rather a farce animal protection can not function so! However the park is worthwhile also independently of its tigers. One should let oneself in simply on the species-rich fauna. A tiger sighting is not everything!

How to get there: Kanha National Park is situated in the southeastern foothills of the Satpura Mountains, almost 165 km southeast of Jabalpur.

You might also like to read about Lion Walking Tours.

Tiger Safari Operators: 

• Khana National Park Tours
• Dizkvr Tours

#2 Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh, India

The Bandhavgarh National Park is a national park in Madhya Pradesh, India. It covers an area of about 480 square kilometers and is located about 300 km south of Khajuraho in the Vindhya Mountains.  The park is considered one of the most reliable places to observe wild tigers.

The hilly landscape is dominated by a plateau on which once stood the fort of the Maharajas. Nearby are grasslands rich in game, originating from swamps once created to protect the fort. Some of these swamps still exist. Salt forests dominate the rest. 

The best-known animal species in the park is the Bengal tiger, of which almost 50 animals lived in the park in 1997. The big cats are not shy and can be observed particularly well here.

A white tiger was caught in this area in 1957, whose offspring can be seen in zoos and circuses worldwide. Other predator species in the area include leopard, striped hyena, sloth bear, wild dog , reed cat, golden jackal, spotted musang, and Indian mongoose.

To make a difference today, raise awareness for these beautiful animals and join a Tiger Safari or Tour.

How to get there: Durminskoye Reserve is about two hours drive from Khabarovsk, in the Southeastern part of Russia in Khabarovsk Krai. 

• Bandhavgarh National Park Tours
• Driver Tours India
• Nature Safari India

#3 Satpura Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India

Saptura Tiger Reserve is a wonderful place in Madhya Pradesh. However, it is doubtful to see Tiger because there are only 50 tigers in the 1200 sq km National Park. 

Even though the chances of tiger sightings in Satpura Tiger Reserve are not the highest, the park offers walking safaris, a unique way to experience wildlife . 

This is a different kind of tiger sanctuary with many differences in altitude and gorgeous greenery, reminiscent of Robert Frost’s beautiful forests. There is a lot of wildlife here. It is undoubtedly an underestimated but wonderful place worth visiting. The drive to the place itself through the mountains is amazingly scenic.

How to get there: The Satpura Tiger Reserve, also known as Satpura National Park, is located in the Indian district of Hoshangabad in Madhya Pradesh. 

• Satpura National Park Tours
• Pugdun Safaris

#4 Ranthambhore National Park, Rajasthan, India

The Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve is one of 53 tiger reserves in India. The reserve includes Ranthambhore National Park, Kaila Devi Game Reserve, and other small units. In total, it covers an area of 1335 km².

The area is known for its Bengal tigers, which are not very shy and can be easily observed even during the day. Furthermore, it is one of the most western occurrences of the striped big cat at.

Those who want to see a tiger in Ranthambhore with some certainty should have at least 2 days. Nevertheless, some luck belongs to it to get one of the striped big cats to face. It is an enormously exciting experience!

A great variety of animals live in the park. However, the park is famous for its Bengal tigers. These animals have shed much of their shyness. Thus, the chances are more than good to experience a wild tiger. These animals often appear here, even during the day, and do not hide behind bushes or in the forest. It can be well possible that suddenly a tiger runs over the way. Of course, they still have respect, this must also be. 

How to get there: The nearest major cities are Kota, 110 kilometers southwest, and Jaipur, 180 kilometers northwest. The park is located between the Banas and Chambal rivers.

• Ranthambhore National Park Tours
• Indus Explorers

#5 Corbett Tiger Reserve, Uttarakhand, India

Corbett National Park is in the Indian state of Uttarakhand at the foot of the Himalayas. It is named after the British hunter and conservationist Jim Corbett, who was instrumental in establishing the first national park in India near Nainital in 1936. Interesting for Tiger Safari or Tour.

It was initially called Hailey National Park, but in 1957, it was renamed Corbett National Park after it was temporarily called Ramganga National Park in 1952. Corbett National Park covers almost 521 square kilometers. Together with the adjacent Sonanadi Conservation Area, it forms the Corbett Tiger Reserve, established in 1973 as part of Project Tiger.

The largest river in the park is the Ramganga, which flows into a large lake at the western border of the reserve. Broad valleys and hills characterize the landscape. A chain of hills runs east-west in the middle of the area. 

The main form of vegetation is the saline forests; at higher altitudes, there are also some pine stands. In the lowlands, there are riverine forests, whose stands are interrupted by grasslands called “chaurs” by the locals. It is only open from November to June.

• Corbett Tiger National Park Tours
• Corbett Tiger Reserve Tours

#6 Sundarbans-Nationalpark and Tiger Reserve, West Bengal, India

West Bengal is home to one of the world’s largest tiger populations, with over 350 tigers in a 140,000-hectare mangrove forest close to the Bangladesh border. It is a world heritage site, and visitors can take boat safaris. A very famous place for Tiger Safari or Tours.

The Sundarbans are the most extensive mangrove forests in the world and the only ones where Bengal tigers live at the same time, they have been a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site since 1987. 

The name comes from Bengali and means “beautiful forest”. The Sundarbans cover an area of 10,000 square kilometers in the delta of the largest rivers in South Asia, the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna. The Indian state of West Bengal shares the mangrove area with Bangladesh.

Among the mammals, the Bengal Tiger is also the absolute highlight in Sundarbans National Park. At present, there are estimated between 350 and 400 wild Bengal Tigers in the Sundarbans. This is the largest remaining tiger population worldwide!

Also, look at our India Big 5 Article to explore Indian Wildlife.

How to get there: The park is located in the Sundarbans in the Ganges Delta and borders the Sundarban Reserve Forest in Bangladesh.

• Sunderbans National Park Tours
• Sunderbans-Park Tour

#7 Chitwan National Park, Chitwan, Nepal

Due to increased conservation efforts, Nepal’s Bengal Tiger population doubled in the last decade, with more than 235 individuals in the five national parks. 

The Chitwan National Park is the best known in the country. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the first national park in Nepal. Dusk jeep safari is very popular, mainly in the morning and evening. The more relaxed parts of the day offer the best chance to see a Tiger. 

How to get there: The Chitwan National Park is located southwest of Kathmandu in the Terai. 

• Chitwan Jungle Tours
• Chitwan Jungle Safari 

#8 Bardia National Park, Nepal

Bardia national park, nepal , Source : YouTube, Uploaded: Sagar giri

Next to the Chitwan National Park, which is closer to Kathmandu, the Bardia National Park is located in western Nepal. 

The Bardia National Park can be explored on an elephant riding, hiking or jeep safari. Travellers should not be without a local safari guide. A guided tour usually includes the entrance fee for the national park. There are around 80 Tigers in the park. Bardia safari lodges offer walking and 4WD safaris. The walking safari for one day is more adventures. 

How to get there: Located in the south west of Nepal, with an area of 968 km2 it is the largest wilderness area in Nepal’s Terai and borders on the eastern bank of the Karnali River in Bardiya district.

• Expecting Nepal
• Cultural Safari Tours

#9 The Sundarbans, Bangladesh

Welcome to the world’s largest mangrove forest, starting in India and going through Bangladesh. 

It’s the home of more than 1120 Bengal tigers. 

However, Tiger sightings in Bangladesh are rare, compared to other countries.  Another interesting place for Tiger Safaris or Tiger Tours. Operators offer Boat tours from the city of Khulna in the southwest. Bed and Breakfast on the leading boat, track tigers on smaller boats or en foot (with armed security personal)

You can also see saltwater crocodiles, wild boar, languages and many birds.

How to get there: The sundarbans national park is located in the south west of bangladesh, around 6 hours drive from Dhaka. 

Tiger Safari Operators:

• Responsible Travel (eight-day safari) 
• Bengal Tours (three-day)
• Guide Tours (three-day)

#10 Durminskoye Reserve, Chabarowsk Region Russia

The majestic Siberian Tiger, mainly found in eastern Russia or northern China, is our planet’s largest tiger species and cat. It is sadly also the most endangered .  

In the 1940s, they were hunted to the brink of extinction and only saved due to the new protection grant of tigers in Russia in 1965. 

However, with only around 540 individuals left in the wild, the chance to see one is slight. Most of the Tiger Safari tours are based in Durminskoye Reserve, it is a 50.000-acre wildlife sanctuary a three hours drive from Khabarovsk in southeast Russia. It is the last prime habitat for Siberian tigers.

Tourist tiger safaris are organized like science tours, tracking pug marks on snowmobiles and on food, setting camera traps reviewing footage. What else is there? You can see wolves, lynxes, badgers, foxes, and raptors. In the summer even Asian black bears

How to get there: Durminskoye Reserve is about two hours’ drive from Khabarovsk, in the South-Eastern part of Russia in Khabarovsk Krai. 

• Russia Tiger Tracking
• Visit Russia

#11 Zov Tigra National Park, Primorsky Krai, Russia

Another sport for Tiger Safaris in Russia is the Zov Tigra National Park, in the far east part of Russia. It was the first National Park created for Tigers in Russia. Current numbers indicate that around ten tigers reside in the protected area of around 200 hectares. 

Conservation Tiger tours allow visitors and tourists to follow anti-tiger-poaching patrols through the mountains and forests, monitoring tiger behavior and tracking Tigers in the wild. 

How to get there: The park is about 100 km northeast of Vladivostok . Most tour operators offer accommodation in Vladivostok and transport to the park. 

#12 Kerinci Seblat National Park, Sumatra, Indonesia

The Kerinci Seblat National Park is twice the size of the famous Bali Island, which is well known for its tourists. 

However, the National Park offers another Sighting, the Sumatran Tiger . Around 200 Tigers roam in the wild, using Tourists as one factor to save their habitat and survival. 

Various species accordingly characterize the fauna and flora of the Kerinci Seblat National Park. 

Numerous rare or even endangered species, such as the Sumatran tiger, the clouded leopard, the tree leopard, the Sumatran rhinoceros, the Malay bear, and the Malayan tapir, is at home in Kerinci Seblat National Park. 

There are also about 200 bird species. Among the more than 4000 plant species that grow in Kerinci Seblat National Park are the giant reflower, the titan’s root, various orchids and the edelweiss.

How to get there: The main entrance and the national park office are in Sungai Penuh. There you can get a visit permit and find hiking guides. Alternatively, accommodations in the Kerinci Seblat National Park’s surroundings often help their guests get a visit permit and reliable hiking guides. Look for a Tiger Safari or Tour.

• Wild Sumatra
• Trijaya Travel

Get to know Tigers

Tiger habitats are pretty diverse and can be found in more places than you’d think! They live in Siberia’s dense forests and roam Malaysia’s jungles. But things are not going well for these elegant cats of prey. Although the tiger has no natural enemies, it is threatened with extinction. 

Because humans hunt it and destroy its habitat, which once stretched from the Caspian Sea to the Pacific Ocean.

Do you like Big Cats?  Have a look at the best places to see Lynx .

There are six subspecies of tigers. Read about it at this Tiger Safari or Tour guide.

Fierce Hunters

All tigers need to survive are forests, water, and enough booty animals. The cats of prey are adaptable and can easily cope with significant temperature differences.

Although they are generally heavier than lions, they move more smoothly and agile. Tigers also feel comfortable in the water and are excellent swimmers. Tigers are solitary animals that roam the forests at night in search of prey. Then they hunt – depending on their habitat – moose, wild boar, tapirs, monkeys, or fish. The prey is killed with a targeted bite in the neck or throat. A full-grown animal , which rarely lives to be over 25 years old in the wild, needs up to nine kilos of food daily.

The most giant cat on this planet

Tiger hunting. Image via Depositphotos

Five tiger species are still in the wild today from the formerly nine subspecies. The largest of them is the Amur tiger. Adult males can weigh up to 300 kilograms and reach a height of three meters

It takes its name from the Russian river Amur, which flows through the Transbaikalia region of Siberia. The habitat of the Siberian tiger, as it is also called, originally stretched from Lake Baikal to the Sea of Japan.

Thousands were still hunting in the dense forests a hundred years ago. In the 1940s, there were only about 40 Amur tigers left. Today the population has recovered somewhat. Animal welfare activists estimate about 500 Amur tigers in the Russian East and on the border with China. Today they moved on to an area about half as big as Germany.

Tiger Endangerment

A little more than a hundred years ago, there were still about 100,000 tigers living in large parts of Asia. There are still about 3900 animals; the Bali, Caspian, and Java tigers are extinct. Amazing animals for a Tiger Safari or Tour.

The South Chinese tiger is considered extinct in the accessible wilderness. According to the WWF species lexicon, experts assume that there are only a few isolated individuals, if at all. Therefore, the last hope of preserving the species lies in the few animals in Chinese zoos. The remaining five species now live in only 13 countries in Asia. Most of them are native to India, where it is estimated that there are about 1700 tigers.

The World Wide Fund For Nature ( WWF ) assumes that less than ten percent of the original habitat is left. The reasons are manifold. For example, mineral resources such as coal or oil are extracted in some regions. Deforestation of the rainforest is also a significant problem, as is the development of inaccessible areas by roads.

Poachers are also a great danger. They hunt the tigers because they can sell the big cats’ body parts well. Because claws, teeth, brain, and other parts are processed into medicine in traditional Chinese medicine and are in great demand. Hunting tigers as trophies have cost many animals their lives, especially in the last century.

The IUCN red list puts the Tiger status to endangered : 

All major conservation organizations have established tiger conservation programs. Even the states where tigers live have declared themselves willing to do something against the extinction of the giant cat of prey on the earth. Read more about it in this article, Tiger Safari or Tour.

For example, protection zones are being set up, and rangers are being deployed to stop poachers, among other things.

Patches made of tiger bones also patches made of tiger bones are sought-after medicines.

But the environmental organizations are also trying to make a political difference. For example, they are working to ensure that mineral resources are extracted more sustainably. Tourists can also do something for species protection by not buying souvenirs or medicine from tigers.

The measures of the significant nature conservation organizations show at least small successes. The population is stable with the Amur tiger, and the Indochinese tiger can survive. But the danger that the most prominent big cat of the world dies out is still not banished by far.

How Dangerous are Tigers?

Approximately 100 people die every year due to attacks by tigers. Probably, humans are often to blame for this themselves because they provoke the animals.

For Tiger, a human being is a big animal. And when an animal is in its enclosure, the tiger wants to hunt it because he has an innate hunting instinct. 

Nevertheless, some people can go into a tiger or lion cage without being attacked, for example, tamers in the circus. They know their animals well and are something like the leader. 

That is why wild animals respect them. But if a trainer, for example, stumbles and loses his position of power, it can become dangerous even for him. Also, to strange tigers, he would not dare to enter the cage. By the way, in the wilderness, animals only rarely attack humans. If, for example, a shark hurts a surfer, it is only because he mistakes him for a seal. You can see this because, unlike its usual prey, it does not eat it. 

Tigers in Zoos and National Parks

Wild animals make exceptionally high demands on their keeping and accommodation. In a circus enterprise, responsible keeping wild animals is generally impossible.

Nevertheless, animals of wild species can still be seen in many circus operations that travel around the world: Tigers, lions, elephants, rhinoceroses, giraffes, sea lions or monkeys – the range of animal species carried along is extensive. Wild animals suffer in the circus. They suffer massively, because:

• Perform feats for which they are often trained by force,
• Have to change venues 50 times a year on average,
• Spend most of their time in small cages, inadequate enclosures, or in the transport wagon,
• That essential species-specific behavior such as social contacts or movement are considerably restricted or made completely impossible,
• that they have little variety or occupation,
• that they are often not fed and cared for appropriately,
• That veterinary control or care is often inadequate because there are only a few specialized veterinarians for wild animals nationwide or the circus cannot or will not afford the treatment financially,
• that in many cases the circus operators lack the necessary expertise,
• that there is no fixed winter quarters during the play-free period. Only about every tenth company can call a winter accommodation its own.

The consequences for the animals are fatal: Massive damage to their health, severe behavioral disorders, and increased mortality.  This Tiger Safari or Tour guide should highlight only sustainable places to go.

Summary of Tiger Safari

Gelendzhik safari park. Image via Alexxx1979, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The tiger is the largest and, at the same time, heaviest species from the cat family. Of nine known subspecies, only six live with the Bengal tiger, the Indochinese tiger, the Malaysian tiger, the Siberian tiger, the South Chinese tiger, and the Sumatran tiger.

The main reason for the substantial decline of the tiger population is and remains the hunting by humans. The organs of the tiger are considered remedies in Chinese medicine. On the illegal black market, products made of tiger powder achieve prices of many thousands of Euros.

Are you a fan of the African Continent?  Have a look at one of our blogs regarding Encountering Cheetahs in the wild may interest you as well! also, have a look at the Big five of India as well as our Big Cats around the world blog

If you want to make a difference today, raise awareness for these beautiful animals and join a ecological Tiger Safari or Tour.

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Russia's 'fairy tale' Siberian tigers beating long odds for a comeback

Conservation efforts and crackdown on illegal hunting help amur tigers claw their way back.

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Deep in the frozen forests of Russia's far east, one of nature's most elusive — and surely most majestic — predators has been staging a quiet comeback.

Siberia's tigers, also known as Amur tigers, are the largest subspecies of the great cats of Asia. They have survived wars, poaching and extensive habitat loss to claw their way back from just a handful of animals to a renewed position of viability.

In a football field-sized enclosure, about an hour from the city of Vladivostok, Elena and Pavlik are good examples of why that's happening.

The 15-month-old male and female siblings are, for the moment, the only residents of the Amur Tiger Center near the village of Alekseevka.

The centre includes a large natural area that imitates tiger habitat, with typical trees, shrubs and landscape. It's fenced in, with the outside world obscured by a green tarp.

• Researcher tracks Siberian tigers for months
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​"They have learned how to hunt down prey, to catch and kill, and most importantly, they completely avoid humans," said Viktor Kuzmenko, who oversees the unique facility. It was established with a grant by the Russian government and other non-governmental organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund in 2013 to preserve, study and increase the Siberian tiger population.  

Tiger rehab

The young tigers were taken in by wildlife officials last summer after their mother repeatedly visited a local village and ate people's pets.

Killing problem tigers in Russia is illegal, so the only option was to capture her and relocate her to a zoo.   

"At this age, the cubs wouldn't have survived without their mother," Kuzmenko told CBC News, so they were brought to the centre.

Since then, the goal has been to teach them how to hunt and survive on their own.

At meal time, usually in the late afternoon, a deer, boar or other creature is released into their area and the tigers instantly snap to attention.

• World's wild tiger count rising for first time since 1900

On TV monitors, it's possible to see the young carnivores creep up on the unsuspecting animal and pounce with lightning fast reflexes, sinking their teeth into its neck and waiting for the stricken animal to bleed out.

"Their behaviour is almost perfect," said Kuzmenko, who expects the pair will be released into the wild this spring and will have a strong chance of making it on their own.

Shrinking habitat

A century ago, Siberian tigers ranged as far west as the Caspian Sea and across the vastness of Russia and China to the shores of the Pacific.

But they were hunted relentlessly for their furs and body parts. By the end of the Second World War, just a few dozen of the animals were left in the wild.

The Soviet Union brought in strict rules on hunting and the population recovered somewhat before falling again after the collapse of communism in the 1990s, when hunters were able to more easily cross the border with China and a lucrative black market re-emerged.

Since 2010, the Russian government has cracked down on poaching and implemented a host of conservation measures that have helped Russia's Far East tiger population grow to around 500 adults and perhaps 100 cubs, according to a 2018 census done by Russia's Ministry of Nature.

While hardly robust numbers — Siberian tigers are listed as endangered, according to the World Wildlife Fund — the trend line is increasing. Russian authorities believe within four years, the tiger population will grow to more than 700 animals.

Worldwide, about 5,000 tigers remain in the wild, including the population in Russia as well as other sub-species in India, Bangladesh, Nepal and South Asia, according to the WWF. 

Mythological beast

In Russia's Primorye region, where China borders to the west and North Korea to the south, the beasts are treated with near mythological reverence.

"Entering a forest in the Far East, you feel a fairy tale and a sense of the unknown because this is the home of the tiger," said Sergei Aramiliev, a biologist who is the director the Amur Tiger Centre, the agency that operates the rehabilitation centre and undertakes other conservation activities.

"He is invisibly present everywhere — everywhere there are traces of his energy."

In and around Vladivostok, there are murals, billboards and statues of tigers, emphasizing the connection the animals have with the region's identity.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who's often photographed in Russia's wilderness in the company of wild animals, has posed frequently for photo ops with Siberian tigers, most of which were associated with the rehab centre.

• Vladimir Putin's tiger kills 15 goats in northeast China

Russia's government has paid for many other conservation measures,  including a half-kilometre-long so-called Tiger Tunnel, which was opened on the highway to the city of Khabarovsk two years ago. It allows tigers to cross over top of the road that dissected important tiger habitat.

Poaching threat

But perhaps the most important efforts have focused on illegal hunting, which continues to be the animals' greatest threat, said Aramiliev.

"The laws have tightened," he told CBC News, noting that eight years ago, between 50 to 70 tigers a year were lost to poaching. Now, he said, the number is closer to 15 to 20.

The market for their furs and body parts, used in traditional medicines and ceremonies, is almost exclusively China, he said.

"If the family in China has a skin, it is considered prestigious. But understand, [China has] had this culture for 3,000 years and it can't be changed in a day."

China has also enacted legislation to halt the trade in such animal parts but Russian authorities say illegal cross-border transactions continue.   

More than 14 Russian conservation teams, made up of more than 100 full-time members, now patrol key tiger habitats in military-style armoured personnel carriers, looking for poachers.

On a recent trip, Andrey Zakharov, the leader of one group, told CBC News his officers will often camp out overnight deep in the forest, watching for tiger tracks in the snow or suspicious vehicles.

"The tiger is something unearthly," he said. "He can be only 50 metres from us but we won't see him till he moves. It's a very secretive animal."

Tiger outreach

As the tiger population recovers, another part of Zakharov's job has also grown in importance: that of doing community outreach as part of a so-called "conflict group."

Russian TV routinely covers stories of villagers in the Primorye region who have had their pets killed by tigers or been stalked themselves.

Over New Year's, one woman from a village near Khabarovsk showed a TV crew the blood stains from where a tiger tried to drag her pet through a fence before the fortunate dog escaped.

The mother of the two young tigers now at the rehabilitation centre was captured after she repeatedly returned to a village, eating a total of 10 family pets.

"As the human population has grown, we have occupied [the tiger's] territory," said Zakharov.  

To deter people from taking matters into their own hands when conflicts occur, local authorities now offer monetary compensation for any livestock or pets killed.

"There are cases where tigers attacked cows, horses, dogs, but if a person has all the proper documents, we will reimburse everything. People will receive financial compensation without delay," said Zakharov.

Unfortunate death

Still,  there have been setbacks.   

CBC News was initially invited to the Tiger Rehab Centre to witness a medical examination of an older tiger named Tikhan. 

The 13-old-male had been acting unusually in early January, coming near a Russian border office and attacking the soldiers' dogs. After biologists tracked and tranquillized him, they discovered Tikhan had problems with his teeth, so they performed dental surgery.

That was expected to allow him to return to the wild.

But by the time the CBC crew arrived at the Tiger Centre after a long flight from Moscow, Tikhan had died suddenly.

Instead, we witnessed his autopsy.

"It's a pity," said Aramilev. "What happened was very much unexpected."

• 60% of world's wildlife has been wiped out since 1970
• Russian Arctic town overrun by polar bears, climate change blamed

Thirteen years is about the average lifespan for tigers in the wild, although in captivity they can live to be older than 20.

Tests determined Tikhan was 142 kilograms at his death, far less than the usual 300-kilogram weight for a healthy male.

As it turns out, scientists learned that his body was badly dehydrated and he was suffering from exhaustion. The final cause of death was ruled as being from natural causes.

Even so, Aramilev said Tikhan played a key role in ensuring the survival of his species.

"In this case, the only thing that reassures us is that the tiger has lived a long life and should have left many offspring."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Foreign Correspondent

Chris Brown is a foreign correspondent based in the CBC’s London bureau. Previously in Moscow, Chris has a passion for great stories and has travelled all over Canada and the world to find them.

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Get To Know the Siberian Tiger

What is the siberian tiger.

The Siberian tiger is an iconic and endangered species in Russia’s far eastern region. Siberian tigers, also known as Amur tigers, are named after the Amur River that runs along their range. The Siberian Tiger also has many unique characteristics that distinguish it from other tigers.

A glimpse of the majestic Siberian tiger is a captivating sight, as it stands out from other tigers with its striking orange-brown stripes and larger size. 

What does The Siberian Tiger look like?

The Siberian Tiger is an impressive sight with its large size and magnificent striped fur. Its coat is yellow-orange, with black stripes of various widths and lengths encircling the body.

The base of the tail has a dark grayish-brown colour, gradually turning to a white tip. The tiger’s body is quite stocky and muscular, with strong limbs to help it move through the snow and forests of its habitat.

I t’s face is rounded with large eyes, a pointed muzzle and long whiskers. The Siberian Tiger also has longer fur around its neck and chest, helping it stay warm in the cold weather. It has small ears compared to other tigers, which helps to minimize heat loss in the cold. Their long whiskers detect prey, and their powerful jaws and sharp claws help them catch it.

The Siberian Tiger is a solitary and shy animal, preferring to hunt alone. It prefers to stay within its territory, often marking it with urine or claw marks on trees. The tiger has powerful night-time vision, which helps it hunt successfully during night’s darkness.

The Siberian tiger is a powerful and majestic species that has adapted to survive in its harsh environment. It has developed several features to help it thrive in its cold, snowy climate. It has fur-lined feet that allow it to move quickly over icy ground, long whiskers that detect prey under the snow, and thick fur that helps it stay warm in freezing temperatures.

What Does the Siberian Tiger Eat?

The Siberian Tiger is an apex predator and mainly feeds on large mammals such as deer, wild boar, and even bears. It also takes advantage of smaller prey, such as rabbits, fish, and birds, when it can find them. The tiger uses a combination of stealthy stalking and powerful sprints to catch its prey. It will usually drag the carcass away from the kill site to feed on it in privacy. A Siberian Tiger’s diet mainly depends on what animals are available in its range, so if food sources become scarce, they will travel great distances to find their next meal.

How Does the Siberian Tiger Hunt?

The Siberian Tiger is an expert hunter who uses various techniques to capture prey. In most cases, it will sneak up on the animal quietly until it gets close enough to attack. Once within striking distance, the tiger will use its powerful front legs to grab the animal and bite down hard on its neck or back until it dies from shock or suffocation.

The tiger will also use its powerful jaws to crush the skulls of larger prey such as bears and wild boars. When hunting in deep snow, Siberian Tigers often wait near trails and ambush their game as they walk by. The Siberian Tiger has become one of nature’s greatest predators using these hunting strategies.

Siberian Tiger Social Structure

The Siberian Tiger is a solitary creature and lives alone. They will only come together in pairs to breed, but they remain separate for the rest of the year. It rarely interacts with other tigers, except for its offspring or during fights over territories.

The tiger marks its territory using scent markings from urine and scratches on trees, which help defend its area from other predators. However, the Siberian Tiger is not a territorial animal and will usually avoid confrontation if possible.

How Does the Siberian Tiger Reproduce?

The Siberian Tiger typically mates in the summer months, with the female tiger giving birth to two to five cubs after three and a half months of gestation. The mother will care for them alone until they are old enough to hunt independently. The cubs remain with her until they are between 18-24 months old, when they will leave to establish their territories. The cubs reach sexual maturity at around three years old and can live up to 15-20 years in the wild.

Range and Habitat

Where do siberian tigers live.

The Siberian Tiger is found in the Russian Far East, inhabiting many habitats, from mountain forests to open steppe. It mainly lives in the southern part of Primorsky Krai and further east into Khabarovsk Krai.

The tigers prefer temperate forests with plenty of covers, such as cedar and fir. They also sometimes inhabit the taiga, marshy areas, and even dry steppes. Their range is mostly restricted to this small region in Russia. They are considered one of the rarest cats in the world.

Conservation

Are siberian tigers endangered.

The Siberian Tiger has been classified as endangered by the IUCN and is considered a critically endangered species. 

How many Siberian Tigers are there in the wild?

Its population is estimated to be around 500-700 individuals, with most living in protected reserves. The species’ main threats are poaching, habitat destruction and human encroachment on their territory.

To save this majestic animal, conservation efforts focus on protecting its habitat and increasing public awareness of the species. Organizations like the World Wildlife Fund and the International Tiger Coalition work together to ensure that future generations can witness this incredible animal in its natural habitat.

Threats to the Siberian Tiger

Human activities, such as hunting and deforestation, have significantly impacted the Siberian Tiger. The tigers are often poached for their fur and organs, which has decreased their population. Deforestation of the tiger’s natural habitat has also reduced the areas where they can find food and shelter. In addition, climate change is impacting the species, causing weather patterns to become more unpredictable and making it harder for the tigers to find food.

As human development continues to infringe upon their habitat, these threats are becoming increasingly challenging to manage, which is why conservation efforts are so important. Conservation actions such as protecting reserves, creating anti-poaching units, and increasing public awareness are essential to the survival of this species.

By taking a proactive approach to conservation, we can help ensure that future generations can admire the Siberian Tiger in its natural habitat for many years.

Where is the best place to see the Siberian Tiger in the wild?

The best safari to spot a Siberian Tiger is in Primorsky Krai, Russia. This region is home to the largest remaining population of tigers and is the only place you can find them in the wild. Safaris here offer a unique experience as they are conducted by local experts who know how to track and locate tigers.

If you’re looking for an incredible experience, a safari in Primorsky Krai is perfect! You can also visit some of the region’s wildlife preserves and national parks dedicated to protecting the Siberian Tiger. These reserves offer guided tours allowing you to witness these majestic animals up close and in their natural habitat.

With the help of local experts, you can glimpse these incredible animals and be inspired to contribute to conservation efforts for the Siberian Tiger.

Tips for spotting the Siberian tiger while on safari

If you are planning a safari in Primorsky Krai, there are some helpful tips to keep in mind that will increase your chances of spotting a Siberian Tiger.

• Look for signs of recent activity: Tigers are elusive animals and can be challenging to spot. However, looking out for signs such as footprints, scat, and other clues of recent activity will help you narrow your search.
• Look for resting places: Look for areas sheltered from the wind with plenty of covers so the tigers can relax during the day.
• Be patient : Tigers are nocturnal animals, so you may need to wait several hours before you spot one.
• Be quiet : Tigers have excellent hearing and can detect the slightest noise, so it’s essential to be as soft as possible while on safari.
• Use binoculars : Binoculars can help you spot tigers at a distance and identify their sex and approximate age.

Tips for Interacting with a Siberian tiger

If you spot a Siberian Tiger while on safari, it is essential to remember that these animals are wild and should be treated with respect. Here are some tips for interacting with them safely:

• Do not approach the tigers: Maintaining at least 50 meters of distance between you and the tiger is essential.
• Do not make sudden movements: Sudden movements may startle a tiger and could cause them to become aggressive.
• Remain calm : Tigers are known to be curious, so staying calm and avoiding eye contact with them is essential.
• Avoid flash photography : Flashes can startle a tiger, so using natural lighting for pictures is best.
• Don’t leave food behind: Leaving food around tigers could have serious consequences, as they may become habituated to humans and no longer fear them.

Facts about the Siberian Tiger

• The scientific name is Panthera tigris altaica
• Habitat – The Siberian Tiger lives in the Russian Far East, northeastern China, and a very small area of North Korea.
• Life Expectancy – Siberian Tigers typically live in the wild for 10-15 years. And can live up to 20 years in captivity.
• Weight – Siberian Tigers can weigh up to 400-600 pounds.
• Length – Siberian Tigers can be up to 8-9 feet in length, including their tail
• Speed – Siberian Tigers can run up to 45 mph!
• Social Behavior – Siberian Tigers are solitary creatures and prefer to hunt alone.

Myths about the Siberian Tiger

• The Siberian tiger’s stripes are tattoos made by shamans to make it able to see in the dark. This is false; Siberian tigers have natural stripes!
• The Siberian Tiger can roar like a lion and purr like a cat. This, too, is false; Siberian tigers can only growl.
• The Siberian Tiger is a different species from other tigers. This is also not true; it is just a subspecies of tiger.
• The Siberian Tiger is a mythological creature. The Siberian Tiger is a biological species that has existed for thousands of years and can be found in the wild. 
• The Siberian Tigers are dangerous and should be avoided. However, feeling intimidated when face-to-face with a Siberian Tiger is understandable. They are generally not aggressive towards humans unless provoked.

Bengal Tiger vs Siberian Tiger

The two main species of tigers are the Bengal Tiger and the Siberian Tiger . Both species have similar sizes and physical features. However, there are a few differences between them.

The Bengal Tiger is found in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar, while the Siberian Tiger lives in Russia’s Far East. Also, the colour of their fur varies, with the Bengal Tiger having a bright orange coat and the Siberian Tiger having a darker coat of fur. Regarding behaviour, the Bengal Tiger is more social than the Siberian solitary Tiger.

Finally, the diet of these two species also differs as Bengal Tigers prefer to dine on smaller prey such as deer and wild pigs, while Siberian Tigers hunt larger animals such as elk and boars.

The Siberian Tiger is a beautiful and majestic animal native to the Russian Far East, northeastern China, and North Korea. With its incredible strength and speed, it’s no wonder why this species has become known as one of the world’s most potent cats.

If you plan to travel to Primorsky Krai for a safari, it is essential to remember the tips for spotting and interacting with these animals safely and respectfully. Additionally, understanding some facts and myths about Siberian Tigers can help you appreciate their beauty even more. So next time you plan a safari, keep an eye out for this magnificent creature!

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• Safari In Russia: Top 3 Places Where You Have Chances To Spot A Siberian Tiger

02 Dec 2021

If you are interested in safari tours, wildlife site seeing and some adventurous thing, then this safari tour guide will be of great help to you. Russia is the world’s number one country in terms of occupied area. But this occupied area has so many things to do, to explore and to experience. Let us, first of all, know about the different species of animals which a person would get to see experiencing the Safari in Russia.

Roaming around in the Far East side of Russia would be a great adventure, and it would be an opportunity to explore the world of the dangerous and rare species of animals like the Siberian Tiger and many other species of birds and wild animals. Another endangered wildlife species is the Amur Tigers. There are less than 500 Amur Tigers left in the whole world, and from these 500, a huge number of them are placed in the safari in Russia. These two types of tigers are considered to be the main attraction for people towards the Safari Park in Russia.

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Places To Visit For Safari In Russia

The World Wildlife Safari in Russia is world famous. People come from all over the world to visit the safari in Russia as it is an excellent attraction of Russia. There are many species of animals which a person could get to see only in the Safari Park in Russia.

1.The Safari Park of Russia

Image Source

When we talk about the safari parks, then the first destination which comes in a person’s mind is the Safari park in Russia. The park is divided into three different areas. These different areas are:-

• Siberian Tigers and hoofed animals
• Birds and wild animals of Primorye
• Amur leopard Park.

The park offers shelter to the different species of animals and treatment is provided to these animals in case of injury or any accidental situations. After taking care of them, they will be left in the forests to live their rest of life. Living conditions are similar to the conditions in the forests.

There are various animals which are visible in this safari like Siberian Tigers, Amur Tigers, wild boars and many species of deer like Sika deer, Roe deer, and Red deer. There are some rare existing animals also like Amur or Far-Eastern Leopard which are on the verge of extinction, and there are only 50 of these species alive on this planet.

Despite the immense size of Russia, the majority of the country experiences two seasons – summer and winter – that implies that timing your visit is straightforward. Walkers watch polar bears walking icecaps, can cross stretches of tundra sunlight themselves and also ascend sand slopes – all at precisely exactly the nation. A brief interchange is between summer and winter, and that is due to substantial and extremely low temperatures. Summer gives the chance of planting wildlife at the Far East of Russia, while birdlife fills the heavens and also the salmon run turns the oceans reddish together with sparks emerging from hibernation to split the property together with reindeer, wolves, and moose.

There is a specified time to visit any place. Similarly, there is a particular time, and one should know when to go to Russia on safari. According to people, winter is the best time to visit safari in Russia. In the winter season, there is snowfall, and the whole place gets covered with snow. Due to this reason, people could find the footprints of the Siberian Tiger very easily while if a person visits in the summer season, then it would be very difficult to get a glimpse of the rare Siberian Tiger.

Must Read: 15 Interesting Things To Do In Moscow: Trekking, Opera, And More In 2022

2. Durminskoye Reserve of Siberia

Best time: November – March

The tiger tracking shore at the Durminskoye Reserve of Siberia occurs at the depths of winter close Khabarovsk, a city in the south-west corner of Russia. Accompanying tracker Alexander Batalov, you’re going to be involved in conservation work leading to the Tigers’ breeding season. Employed at the snow and freezing temperatures – for maintaining the ones paw prints needed – that safari is for its intrepid adventurer. Researching the creatures’ sprawling habitat from the foot, ski-doo and 4×4, your odds of visiting the biggest of all big cats at the flesh could be lean, however by putting up remote camera cubes and assisting Alexander in tracking the spot, you’re going to be causing the security and continuing success of these creatures that are endangered creatures, that can number as much as 400 from the great outdoors.

Suggested Read: 10 Best Hotels In Moscow That Redefine Luxury Like None Other!

3. Kamchatka

Best time: May – September

Despite lying latitudes to the UK, the Kamchatka Peninsula occupies long winters on account of this effect of Arctic winds and also sea currents, leaving the property. The weeks between May and September offer the temperatures. However, the sheer size of Kamchatka means its climate is changeable based on the area of the visit. Generally, people can think about highs which range from 15 to 20 °C together with lows hitting below freezing, through summer time.

Kamchatka might possibly be larger than the UK; however, its own inhabitants figures only 330,000 people, nearly all of whom reside in its tip at the main city of Petropavlovsk. As a result of huge tracts of un-developed tundra which lie between its populations’ centers, helicopters are the easiest solution. When shooting into the heavens even, it might be well worth packing lots of layers. When temperatures could drop to as little as -25 °C, Kamchatka bears hibernate throughout the months. Despite going at November in their dens and emerging March, the ideal time to find these beasts is to coincide with the yearly salmon conduct that does occur in rivers throughout and streams around the world. This time offers an ideal chance to set off on a fishing adventure to the bears. Kurile Lake in special can be a prime locale for seeing those two wonders encounter.

Further Read: With The Red Square Turning White, Snowfall In Moscow Hits A 100-Year High!

The season of Peak birdwatching is from May to early June, and the Commander Islands is one of the best locations for sighting the seabirds. There are also Steller’s sea lions and Kamchatka brown bears also visible during this time. This collection of 17 islands and rocks is found 100 miles away from the eastern shore, which implies cooler summers than people enjoyed on Kamchatka, but additionally creates the Hawaiian Islands home of colonies of Kamchatka. Puffins, auklets, albatross, and cormorants are found in great amounts, while sightings of this Steller’s sea eagle – boasting a wingspan up – is guaranteed to become a highlight of every trip to Moscow

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What's Driving Tigers Toward Extinction?

Siberian (or Amur) tigers may be the world's largest cats.

Population Range

They live primarily in eastern Russia's birch forests, though some exist in China and North Korea. Though their northern climate is far harsher than those of other tigers, these animals have some advantages. Northern forests offer the lowest human density of any tiger habitat, and the most complete ecosystem. The vast woodlands also allow tigers far more room to roam, as Russia's timber industry is currently less extensive than that of many other countries.

Threats to Survival

Tigers are the largest of all wild cats and are renowned for their power and strength. There were once nine tiger subspecies, but three became extinct during the 20th century. Over the last hundred years, hunting and forest destruction have reduced overall tiger populations dramatically. Tigers are hunted as trophies and also for body parts that are used in traditional Chinese medicine. All six remaining tiger subspecies are threatened, and many protection programs are in place. Poaching is a reduced—but still very significant—threat to Siberian tigers.

Tigers live alone and aggressively scent-mark large territories to keep their rivals away. They are powerful hunters that travel many miles to find prey, such as elk and wild boar, on nocturnal hunts. Tigers use their distinctive coats as camouflage (no two have exactly the same stripes) and hunt by stealth. They lie in wait and creep close enough to attack their victims with a quick spring and a fatal pounce. A hungry tiger can eat as much as 60 pounds in one night, though they usually eat less.

Despite their fearsome reputation, most tigers avoid humans; however, a few do become dangerous killers. These animals are often sick and unable to hunt normally, or live in areas where their traditional prey has vanished.

Reproduction

Females give birth to litters of two to six cubs, which they raise with little or no help from the male. Cubs cannot hunt until they are 18 months old, and remain with their mothers for two to three years, when they disperse to find their own territory.

To learn more about tigers, watch this Tigers 101 video .

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Eight rare tiger cubs born in Russian zoo

STORY: :: Eight rare tiger cubs have been born in a Russian zoo

:: The two sets of four cubs, born to Siberian and Bengal mothers, are taking their first steps

:: Barnaul, Russia

:: Released July 14, 2024

:: Courtesy: Barnaul Zoo

The cubs, from Siberian and Bengal mothers, are now two weeks old and are making their first steps.

The mothers of tigers, however, seem to have taken different approaches to raising their children.

The Siberian tiger was seen carrying around her four cubs, proudly showing them off to the camera near the enclosure.

Fifa, the mother of four Bengal cubs, took a more protective approach and was not as willing to expose her cubs to the gaze of onlookers.

Siberian tigers are extremely rare and powerful predators that live in far east of Russia and in northern regions of China. They are listed in the Red Book of Russia and IUCN as endangered species, following the devastating impact of poaching on the breed's numbers.

Bengal tigers are one of the largest living cats and can be found in areas of India, Bangladesh, China, Nepal and Bhutan. Although their population count is much higher than Siberian tigers, they are still listed as endangered.

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Instead Of Being Lunch, Goat Wins Over Tiger

A goat at a Safari Park in Russia was dropped into the Siberian tiger enclosure as lunch. But instead, it butted the tiger out of its sleeping space. The two are friends now and take daily walks.

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Animals Around the Globe

Your Complete Guide to Tiger Safari

Posted: November 22, 2023 | Last updated: November 22, 2023

Get to know the Tigers

Do you like Big Cats?  Have a look at the best places to see Lynx .

Because humans hunt it and destroy its habitat, which once stretched from the Caspian Sea to the Pacific Ocean.

Tiger habitats are pretty diverse and can be found in more places than you’d think! They live in Siberia’s dense forests and roam Malaysia’s jungles. But things are not going well for these elegant cats of prey. Although the tiger has no natural enemies, it is threatened with extinction. 

Photo by and (C)2007 Derek Ramsey.

Tiger Endangerment

The IUCN red list puts the Tiger status to endangered : 

Poachers are also a great danger. They hunt the tigers because they can sell the big cats’ body parts well. Because claws, teeth, brain, and other parts are processed into medicine in traditional Chinese medicine and are in great demand. Hunting tigers as trophies have cost many animals their lives, especially in the last century.

The World Wide Fund For Nature ( WWF ) assumes that less than ten percent of the original habitat is left. The reasons are manifold. For example, mineral resources such as coal or oil are extracted in some regions. Deforestation of the rainforest is also a significant problem, as is the development of inaccessible areas by roads.

The South Chinese tiger is considered extinct in the accessible wilderness. According to the WWF species lexicon, experts assume that there are only a few isolated individuals, if at all. Therefore, the last hope of preserving the species lies in the few animals in Chinese zoos. The remaining five species now live in only 13 countries in Asia. Most of them are native to India, where it is estimated that there are about 1700 tigers.

A little more than a hundred years ago, there were still about 100,000 tigers living in large parts of Asia . There are still about 3900 animals; the Bali, Caspian, and Java tigers are extinct. Amazing animals for a Tiger Safari or Tour.

How Dangerous are Tigers?

Do you like Big Animals?  We collected ideas on the Best Places to see Hippos , Elephants , Giraffes , or Rhinos .

That is why wild animals respect them. But if a trainer, for example, stumbles and loses his position of power, it can become dangerous even for him. Also, to strange tigers, he would not dare to enter the cage. By the way, in the wilderness, animals only rarely attack humans. If, for example, a shark hurts a surfer, it is only because he mistakes him for a seal. You can see this because, unlike its usual prey, it does not eat it. 

Nevertheless, some people can go into a tiger or lion cage without being attacked, for example, tamers in the circus. They know their animals well and are something like the leader. 

For Tiger, a human being is a big animal. And when an animal is in its enclosure, the tiger wants to hunt it because he has an innate hunting instinct. 

Approximately 100 people die every year due to attacks by tigers. Probably, humans are often to blame for this themselves because they provoke the animals.

#1 Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh, India

• Khana National Park Tours
• Dizkvr Tours

Tiger Safari Operators: 

You might also like to read about Lion Walking Tours.

How to get there: Kanha National Park is situated in the south-eastern foothills of the Satpura Mountains almost 165 km southeast of Jabalpur.

Apart from the waiting times, which can amount up to 2 hours, this arrangement is for really interested rather a farce animal protection can not function so! However the park is worthwhile also independently of its tigers. One should let oneself in simply on the species-rich fauna. A tiger sighting is not everything!

Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh is one of India’s most famous national parks due to its size. However, because of this size, one does oneself hard to get the tigers hoped by every traveler also to face.  Unless one has nothing against the extremely questionable tiger show, where tigers are driven out of the undergrowth with the help of elephants, so hordes of Indian families wait noisily with the car until the elephant is ready to carry the customers up to the tiger. 

India offers one of the best Tiger spotting opportunities in the world, with over 50 Tier resorts called the "Tiger State". 

India is home to seventy percent of the world’s tiger population, with the Bengal tiger population at 2226 during last census in 2014. The state of Madhya Pradesh is India’s Tiger State; it is located a few hours south of Deli. 

#2 Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh, India

• Bandhavgarh National Park Tours
• Driver Tours India
• Nature Safari India

How to get there: Durminskoye Reserve is about two hours’ drive from Khabarovsk, in the South-Eastern part of Russia in Khabarovsk Krai. 

To make a difference today, raise awareness for these beautiful animals and join a Tiger Safari or Tour.

A white tiger was caught in this area in 1957, whose offspring can be seen in zoos and circuses worldwide. Other predator species in the area include leopard, striped hyena, sloth bear, wild dog, reed cat, golden jackal, spotted musang and Indian mongoose.

The best-known animal species in the park is the Bengal tiger, of which almost 50 animals lived in the park in 1997. The big cats are not shy and can be observed particularly well here.

Some of these swamps still exist. Salt forests dominate the rest. 

The hilly landscape is dominated by a plateau on which once stood the fort of the Maharajas. Nearby are grasslands rich in game, originating from swamps that were once created to protect the fort. 

The park is considered one of the most reliable places to observe wild tigers.

The Bandhavgarh National Park is a national park in Madhya Pradesh, India. It covers an area of about 480 square kilometers and is located about 300 km south of Khajuraho in the Vindhya Mountains. 

#3 Satpura Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India

• Satpura National Park Tours
• Pugdun Safaris

How to get there: The Satpura Tiger Reserve, also known as Satpura National Park, is located in the Indian district of Hoshangabad in Madhya Pradesh. 

This is a different kind of tiger sanctuary with so many differences in altitude and gorgeous greenery, reminiscent of Robert Frost’s beautiful forests. There is a lot of wildlife here. It is undoubtedly an underestimated but wonderful place worth visiting. The drive to the place itself through the mountains is amazingly scenic.

Even though the chances of tiger sightings in Satpura Tiger Reserve are not the highest, the park offers walking safaris, a unique way to experience wildlife. 

Saptura Tiger Reserve is a wonderful place in Madhya Pradesh. However, it is doubtful to see Tiger, because there are only 50 tigers on 1200 sq kms National Park. 

#5 Corbett Tiger Reserve, Uttarakhand, India

• Corbett Tiger National Park Tours
• Corbett Tiger Reserve Tours

How to get there: Durminskoye Reserve is about two hours drive from Khabarovsk, in the South-Eastern part of Russia in Khabarovsk Krai. 

The main form of vegetation is the saline forests, at higher altitudes there are also some pine stands. In the lowlands there are riverine forests, whose stands are interrupted by grasslands called “chaurs” by the locals. It is only open from November to June.

The largest river in the park is the Ramganga, which flows into a large lake at the western border of the reserve. The landscape is characterized by broad valleys and hills. A chain of hills runs east-west in the middle of the area. 

It was initially called Hailey National Park, but in 1957 it was renamed Corbett National Park after it was temporarily called Ramganga National Park from 1952. Corbett National Park covers almost 521 square kilometres. Together with the adjacent Sonanadi Conservation Area it forms the Corbett Tiger Reserve, established in 1973 as part of Project Tiger.

Corbett National Park is in the Indian state of Uttarakhand at the foot of the Himalayas. It is named after the British hunter and conservationist Jim Corbett, who was instrumental in establishing the first national park in India near Nainital in 1936. Interesting for Tiger Safari or Tour.

#6 Sundarbans-Nationalpark and Tiger Reserve, West Bengal, India

• Sunderbans National Park Tours
• Sunderbans-Park Tour

How to get there: The park is located in the Sundarbans in the Ganges Delta and borders the Sundarban Reserve Forest in Bangladesh.

Also, look at our India Big 5 Article to explore Indian Wildlife.

Among the mammals , the Bengal Tiger is also the absolute highlight in Sundarbans National Park. At present, there are estimated between 350 and 400 wild Bengal Tigers in the Sundarbans. This is the largest remaining tiger population worldwide!

The name comes from Bengali and means “beautiful forest”. The Sundarbans cover an area of 10,000 square kilometers in the delta of the largest rivers in South Asia, the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna. The Indian state of West Bengal shares the mangrove area with Bangladesh.

The Sundarbans are the most extensive mangrove forests in the world and the only ones where Bengal tigers live at the same time, they have been a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site since 1987. 

West Bengal is home to one of the world’s largest tiger populations, with over 350 tigers in a 140,000-hectare mangrove forest close to the Bangladesh border. It is a world heritage site, and visitors can take boat safaris. A very famous place for Tiger Safari or Tours.

#7 Chitwan National Park, Chitwan, Nepal

• Chitwan Jungle Tours
• Chitwan Jungle Safari 

How to get there: The Chitwan National Park is located southwest of Kathmandu in the Terai. 

The Chitwan National Park is the best known in the country. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the first national park in Nepal . Dusk jeep safari is very popular, mainly in the morning and evening. The more relaxed parts of the day offer the best chance to see a Tiger. 

Due to increased conservation efforts, Nepal's Bengal Tiger population doubled in the last decade, with more than 235 individuals in the five national parks. 

#9 The Sundarbans, Bangladesh

• Bengal Tours (three-day)
• Guide Tours (three-day)
• Responsible Travel (eight-day safari) 

Tiger Safari Operators:

How to get there: The sundarbans national park is located in the south west of bangladesh, around 6 hours drive from Dhaka. 

You can also see saltwater crocodiles, wild boar, languages and many birds.

However, Tiger sightings in Bangladesh are rare , compared to other countries.  Another interesting place for Tiger Safaris or Tiger Tours. Operators offer Boat tours from the city of Khulna in the southwest. Bed and Breakfast on the leading boat, track tigers on smaller boats or en foot (with armed security personal)

It’s the home of more than 1120 Bengal tigers. 

Welcome to the world’s largest mangrove forest, starting in India and going through Bangladesh. 

#10 Durminskoye Reserve, Chabarowsk Region Russia

• Russia Tiger Tracking
• Visit Russia

Tourist tiger safaris are organized like science tours, tracking pug marks on snowmobiles and on food, setting camera traps reviewing footage. What else is there? You can see wolves, lynxes, badgers, foxes, and raptors. In the summer even Asian black bears

However, with only around 540 individuals left in the wild, the chance to see one is slight. Most of the Tiger Safari tours are based in Durminskoye Reserve, it is a 50.000-acre wildlife sanctuary a three hours drive from Khabarovsk in southeast Russia. It is the last prime habitat for Siberian tigers.

In the 1940s, they were hunted to the brink of extinction and only saved due to the new protection grant of tigers in Russia in 1965. 

The majestic Siberian Tiger, mainly found in eastern Russia or northern China, is our planet’s largest tiger species and cat. It is sadly also the most endangered .  

#12 Kerinci Seblat National Park, Sumatra, Indonesia

• Wild Sumatra
• Trijaya Travel

How to get there: The main entrance and the national park office are in Sungai Penuh. There you can get a visit permit and find hiking guides. Alternatively, accommodations in the Kerinci Seblat National Park’s surroundings often help their guests get a visit permit and reliable hiking guides. Look for a Tiger Safari or Tour.

There are also about 200 bird species. Among the more than 4000 plant species that grow in Kerinci Seblat National Park are the giant reflower, the titan’s root, various orchids and the edelweiss.

Numerous rare or even endangered species, such as the Sumatran tiger, the clouded leopard, the tree leopard, the Sumatran rhinoceros, the Malay bear, and the Malayan tapir, is at home in Kerinci Seblat National Park. 

Various species accordingly characterize the fauna and flora of the Kerinci Seblat National Park. 

However, the National Park offers another Sighting, the Sumatran Tiger . Around 200 Tigers roam in the wild, using Tourists as one factor to save their habitat and survival. 

The Kerinci Seblat National Park is twice the size of the famous Bali Island, which is well known for its tourists. 

Tigers in Zoos and National Parks

The consequences for the animals are fatal: Massive damage to their health, severe behavioral disorders, and increased mortality.  This Tiger Safari or Tour guide should highlight only sustainable places to go.

• Perform feats for which they are often trained by force,
• Have to change venues 50 times a year on average,
• Spend most of their time in small cages, inadequate enclosures, or in the transport wagon,
• That essential species-specific behavior such as social contacts or movement are considerably restricted or made completely impossible,
• that they have little variety or occupation,
• that they are often not fed and cared for appropriately,
• That veterinary control or care is often inadequate because there are only a few specialized veterinarians for wild animals nationwide or the circus cannot or will not afford the treatment financially,
• that in many cases the circus operators lack the necessary expertise,
• that there is no fixed winter quarters during the play-free period. Only about every tenth company can call a winter accommodation its own.

Nevertheless, animals of wild species can still be seen in many circus operations that travel around the world: Tigers, lions, elephants, rhinoceroses, giraffes, sea lions or monkeys – the range of animal species carried along is extensive. Wild animals suffer in the circus. They suffer massively, because:

Wild animals make exceptionally high demands on their keeping and accommodation. In a circus enterprise, responsible keeping wild animals is generally impossible.

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Fact Animal

Facts About Animals

Siberian Tiger Facts

Siberian tiger profile.

The Siberian tiger , also known as the Amur tiger, is solely found in the eastern Russian alpine forests, with a tiny population extending into Northern China.

Though the climate in the birch forests of Russian can be harsh, this tiger subspecies has adapted to the high altitude, severe environment, and lengthy winters of these northern regions.

Once extending throughout Korea, northern China, Mongolia, and the Russian Far East, fewer than 4,000 of these magnificent animals exist in the wild today.

Siberian Tiger Facts Overview

Though their population has increased over the past decade due to conservation efforts, hunting and encroachment on natural habitats still pose a threat to their survival.

The Siberian tiger has a distinct appearance from other tigers. Their coat is a lighter orange than that of other tiger subspecies, and it gets much lighter in the winter. Because of the colder temperature, their coat is longer and thicker than other tigers, as well. They have a thick mane around their neck and additional hair on their wide paws to keep them warm.

They are formidable hunters who travel long distances at night to find food, such as elk and wild boar . Tigers hunt using their unusual coats as camouflage. They lie in wait and get near enough to attack their victims with a rapid spring and a lethal pounce.

Siberian tigers are polygamous, and reproductive periods and childbirth are not seasonal. Still, Siberian tigers normally give birth between April and June.

The tigress gives birth to two or six cubs after about three to four months or gestation. Mother strives to build a den for the cubs in the safest and most difficult-to-reach areas where they will be safe from other predators. 1

Interesting Siberian Tiger Facts

1.    siberian tigers are the world’s largest cat.

While tigers may be the largest among big cats, Siberian tigers are the largest within the species.

A male Siberian tiger may grow to reach 10 feet long from head to tail and weigh up to 575 pounds.

For a comparison, a male Siberian tiger can be as long as a station wagon and weigh about half as much as a grand piano. Females are smaller, typically weighing 240 to 290 pounds.

In captivity, the largest tiger on record is a male Siberian tiger called Jaipur who was owned by an American animal trainer named Joan Byron Marasek. In 1986, at the age of nine years old, Jaipur measured 3.32 m (10 ft 11 in) long and weighed 423 kg (932 lb).

2.    They are the only tigers that can survive in snow

Aside from their size, Amur tigers have various adaptations to help combat the cold. Siberian tigers’ coats grow thicker and longer than other tiger species.

These cats also have “winter boots” fitted into their paws to protect them from the frigid snow, and a layer of fat on their belly to help keep out the cold. 2

3.    No two tigers have the same stripes

Just like human’s have fingerprints, each tiger has its own unique pattern.

Siberian tigers also have the palest orange coat and the fewest strips of any tiger species. This is to help them blend in with their snow-covered habitat. They also have black and white spots behind their ears that allow the cubs to easily follow their mother through the forest.

4.    They like to stay by the water

Unlike most cats, tigers love the water and are excellent swimmers. Because of their thick coats, they will submerge themselves in rivers during the summer months to keep cool.

Staying near water is also a great way to find food. Tigers not only hunt prey on land, but also fish. During the mating season, tigers will often catch fish in mountain rivers.

5.    Tigers rarely leave their territory

Though Siberian tigers are always on the go in search of prey, they do much of their roaming within their own region. If there is enough prey within the bounds of their domain, they never leave.

The size of the habitat varies depending on the gender, age, and quantity of prey in the area. Tigers with cubs, for example, hunt in a significantly narrower area than single animals. They will mark their territory with their scent or leave markings on trees with their claws.

6.    Tiger cubs are born blind

For the first two months, tiger cubs are completely reliant on their mother. The eyes of a tiger cub open between six and twelve days after birth. However, they still won’t achieve full eyesight until a few weeks late.

The tigress is exclusively responsible for the cubs’ security and care during this period, which is why she only leaves them for brief periods of time.

7.    Cubs begin hunting at eight months old

Around two months of age, cubs will begin to follow their moms out of the cave. They do not, however, take part in the hunt at this time. Instead, they wait in a secure location for their mother to return with the food.

It isn’t until they are about eight-month-old that the mother will begin teaching her cubs to hunt. Tiger cubs spend the most of their time playing with their siblings and their mother. Playing helps developing tiger kittens learn vital life skills including stalking, pouncing, swatting, and climbing.

The tigress’s primary priority is teaching her cubs how to hunt and defend themselves before that set off on their own.

8.    A Siberian tiger’s night vision is six times strong than a humans

Tigers have more rods than cones in their eyes to help with night vision. The increased number of rods enables them to detect prey movement in conditions when color vision would be ineffective.

Tigers also have a structure called the tapetum lucidum in the rear of the eye, behind the retina, that allows them to see better at night. This mirror-like structure reflects light back into the eye for a second time, aiding in the production of a brighter picture. When a light is put on their eyes at night, this is what causes them to glow. 3

9.    They are extremely patient hunters

Tigers spend a significant amount of time hunting. They are extremely strong and have highly developed sensory organs. Only one out of every 10 efforts are successful.

If the effort fails, the tiger prefers to look for a new victim rather than following the previous one.

10. Siberian tigers can eat up to 60 pounds in one night

To survive in the frigid temperature, an adult must consume around 20lbs (9 kg) of food every day.

A hungry tiger may consume up to 60lbs (27 kg) in one night, however they normally consume less. 4

11. Siberian tigers are highly revered

Throughout many cultures tigers are seen as heavenly spirits.

In Siberia and Eastern Russian, the tiger is known as the guardian of the forest. The Indigenous peoples of this area view the tiger as a spirit who protects the forest and keeps nature in balance. The Tungusic people even refer to a tiger as “Grandfather” or “Old Man.”

In China, tigers are symbolized as the protections of goodness and the destruction of evil. They are also seen as a balancing force opposite the dragon. While the dragon represents yang (masculine energy), the tiger represents yin (feminine energy). 5

12. War has taken a toll on the tiger population

Siberian tigers once widely populated the Korean peninsula. So many, in fact, it was known as the land of tigers.

However, during the Japanese colonial period of between 1910 and 1945, hundreds or thousands of wild animals, including bears, tigers, leopards, and wolves were hunted down or killed every year by the Japanese on the excuse of protecting people from the animals. 6

In October 1921, the last Korean tiger was reportedly shot dead on Mt. Daedeok in Gyeongju.

13. The Siberian tiger is the national animal of South Korea

The tiger holds a deep status in South Korean culture. Siberian tigers often show up in Korean folklore and mythology as divinities or the soul of gods.

They are also represented in various painting and sculpture throughout Korean history. For this reason, the Siberian tiger (or Korean tiger as it is known within the country) named the national animal of South Korea. 7

14. The sub-species has been making a comeback, but still faces many threats

In 2008 the IUCN Red Lest of Threatened Species switch the status of Siberian tigers from Critically Endangered (CR) to Endangered (EN). This is considered to be a remarkable comeback since the population fell as low as 20 in the 1930s.

However, these tigers are still at risk. According to the Amur Tiger Center in Russia, 20-30 tigers are poached each year in the country. This accounts for 7-85% of all Siberian tiger deaths.

Tigers are mainly poached for their fur and for their body parts for use in Traditional Chinese Medicine. 8

Siberian Tiger Fact-File Summary

Scientific classification, related ‘big cat’ facts, fact sources & references.

• Miquelle, D. G., Goodrich, J. M., Smirnov, E. N., Stephens, P. A., Zaumyslova, O. Y., Chapron, G., … & Quigley, H. B. (2010). The Amur tiger: a case study of living on the edge. Biology and conservation of wild felids. Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK, 325-339.
• Amur Tiger | Saint Louis Zoo. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
• All About Tigers – Senses | SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
• Tiger (Siberian) – Food and Hunting | Young People. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
• Strecker, D. S. (2020). Dragons, Tigers, and Taoism . Hmong Studies Journal, 22, 1-18.
• The Seoul Times . Retrieved May 16, 2022.
• Talk Talk KOREA . Retrieved May 15, 2022.
• Amur tiger threats . Retrieved May 15, 2022.

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Russia Wildlife Highlights

Given its tremendous size, it is no surprise that Russia hosts an incredible variety of ecosystems and associated wildlife.

Temperate forests cover seventy percent of the country - making up a third of all temperate forest on Earth - but other habitats range from the steppe grasslands of the south to the frozen tundra and Arctic deserts of the far north. Bitterly cold winters and harsh conditions mean wildlife is scarce here, although reindeer, Arctic fox, walrus and polar bears can often be found on the remote Wrangel Island.

The Russian Far East is particularly biodiverse, with carnivores including the Eurasian lynx, Siberian tiger and Amur leopard prowling through the Siberian forests on the hunt for red deer and wild boar. Spawning alamo thrive in the volcanic ash-enriched waterways of the Kamchatka Peninsula, attracting predators such as sea otters, sea eagles, and of course, Kamchatka brown bears.

Siberian Tiger

The Siberian tiger, the largest of all the big cats, once roamed throughout eastern Russia, as well as the Korean peninsula and northern China. By the mid-twentieth century they were on the brink of extinction, with less than 40 individuals still remaining in small patches of forest in the Sikhote-Alin mountain range and Khabarovsk province of Siberia. Now fully protected under Russian law, populations of this majestic big cat have gradually recovered and there are now an estimated 500 tigers in the wild.

Boasting one of the highest populations of brown bear in the world, the Kamchatkan subspecies is second only to the famed Kodiak bears in terms of size. The bears go into hibernation during the cold winter months from November to March, but in July they can be observed in large numbers on the shores of the Kamchatka River, catching the salmon that swim upriver to spawn.

Where to go in Russia

Russia Safaris

Siberian Tiger Camera Trap Safari

Embark on a safari with a difference and venture deep into the remote Durminskoye Reserve in Russia’s Far East, home to the endangered Siberian tiger. Alongside conservationist Alexander Batalov, you’ll track the big cats and set camera traps on a unique adventure that truly puts you on the front line of wildlife conservation.

Kamchatka Brown Bear Safari

Push the boundaries on this frontier small group journey to Kamchatka located in Russia’s Far East. The peninsula contains less than 200 miles of paved road in an area larger than Great Britain, which is just one indication of how truly wild and remote this region is.

Eurasian Wolf

The Eurasian Wolf, is a subspecies of the common grey wolf. Once spread over most of Eurasia, now it is found in Europe and Asia, ranging through Western Europe, Scandinavia, Russia, China and the Himalayan Mountains. These wolves have short dense fur are stand around 30 inches tall. These wolves are highly sociable and are often found in small packs. There are also three other species of wolf found in Russia, including the Tundra wolf, Tibetan wolf, and Caspian Sea wolf.

Siberian Lynx

The Siberian lynx is a medium-sized mammal, with a relatively short torso, long, slender legs and round head. Its ears are small and stand topped with long tassels. No other cat is adapted so well to the snow and cold, like the lynx. In Russia, the lynx is found in the deep mature coniferous forests from the western borders up to Kamchatka and Sakhalin. Not just a great climber on trees and rocky terrain, the lynx is fast runner and can leap up to four metres in the air after prey.

Amur Leopard

People usually picture leopards in the tropical savananahs of Africa, but in the Russian Far East, a rare subspecies is found. Unlike their counterparts in Africa and the Indian subcontinent, the Amur leopard has perfectly adapted to life in the cool climates of the taiga. Far Eastern leopards have longer limbs, allowing them to walk in the snow. The color of their fur changes seasonally, from a reddish yellow in the summer to a light yellow in the winter. The length of their fur also can change with the temperature, from 2.5 cm in the warmer months to 7 cm during the coldest times of the year.With just under 60 individuals remaining, the leopard is classified as critically endangered by the IUCN.

Where to stay in Russia

Russia Stories & Inspiration

Land of the Leopard National Park

In the extreme southeast of the country, Russia has established a 650,000-acre national park to protect what is regarded as the world’s rarest cat, the Amur leopard.

Kamchatka Peninsula

Situated as far east as one can travel in the Far East, Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula is a vast area of remote wilderness prime for adventure.

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Siberian zoo births eight tiger cubs in one day (VIDEO)

A zoo in Central Russia welcomed two litters of rare tigers in one day earlier this month, the facility has announced. A video has been published of four kittens from one of the litters, which belongs to the endangered Siberian Tiger subspecies.

The big-cat couple, called Bagheera, which in Russian denotes a female, and Shere Khan, named after characters in Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, had three males and one female kitten on July 2, Barnaul Zoo in the Altay region has reported.

The second four-cub litter, this one of the endangered Bengal Tiger variety, was born on the same day to another couple of big cats, the announcement added.

“Bagheera and Shere Khan have had three boys and one girl. Fifa and Mayak [the Bengal Tigers] have had two girls and two boys. Bagi [Bagheera] is proudly showing off her babies, while Fifa is not ready yet,” it explains.

The Siberian Tiger, also known as the Amur Tiger, is native to the cold forests of Russia’s Far East and of Northeast China. It is considered by many experts to be the world’s largest tiger. The most recent data provided by The International Union for Conservation of Nature suggests that, in 2022, between 260 and 480 Siberian tigers survive in the Russian Far East. Several hundred more are kept in zoos and nature parks worldwide.

In the 1940s, the Siberian tiger was on the brink of extinction, with fewer than 50 believed to remain in the wild.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been a vocal advocate of protecting the endangered tiger subspecies, having created a foundation for their conservation in 2013.

Bengal tigers, considered to be the world’s second largest tiger after the Siberian subspecies, live in the hot and humid forests and wetlands of India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. Some 2,000 to 2,500 individuals of this endangered variety, also known as the Indian Tiger, are estimated to remain in the wild. Several thousand more live in zoos and private reserves around the world.

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