A reserve where Amur tigers live. Amur tiger
). It is expected to resettle Amur tigers on the territory of the Pleistocene Park in Yakutia.
Number
In the wild
IN late XIX centuries, up to 100 animals were hunted annually, and in 1912 - about 60 individuals. The predator's population declined until about 1940, when, presumably, only 30-40 individuals remained. In 1958-1959, about 100 individuals were counted (65 in Primorsky and 35 in Khabarovsk Territory), in 1964 - 120, in 1968 - 140, in 1970-150, in 1978-200, of which 8-10 individuals in Sikhote-Alin Nature Reserve and about 15 adult tigers in the Lazovsky Nature Reserve. In total, in Russia in 1996 there were about 415-476 individuals. About 10% (30 individuals) of the Amur tiger population lives in China (Manchuria) [ ] .
According to a one-time census in 2005, the number of Amur tigers in the south of the Russian Far East was 423-502 individuals (or 334-417 adult tigers and 97-112 cubs). In April 2013, the number of tigers increased by Far East was estimated at 450 individuals. And according to the 2015 tiger census, there are 523-540 Amur tigers in the Russian Far East. This is neither more nor less. This is exactly as much as the still uncut areas of the Ussuri taiga can accommodate. There are plans to resettle the tiger within its historical range, that is, to return it to the places where it once lived, but was then exterminated. Thus, the number of tigers can increase to 750. However, this is only possible due to an intensive increase in the number of ungulates.
In zoos
Description
The Amur tiger is one of the largest subspecies. The fur is thicker than that of tigers living in warm areas, and its color is lighter. Basic coat color in winter time- orange, and the belly is white.
Dimensions and weight
The body length of male Amur tigers to the tip of the tail reaches 2.7-3.8 m, females are smaller. Height at withers up to 115 cm, weight 170‒270 kg, in some cases up to 300 kg. An ordinary adult male in nature weighs between 180–270 kg, on average about 200 kg, with a height at the withers of 90–106 cm [ ] .
The Amur tiger is traditionally considered the largest living member of the cat family. However, Bengal tigers, living in some national parks India, can currently significantly exceed the size of the Amur ones. Although, historically, these two subspecies of tigers were probably still close to each other in size, and the decrease in the size of Amur tigers is directly related to human activity.
Mazák lists the weight range of Amur tigers as 180-306 kg for males and 100-167 kg for females. He considers reports of individuals weighing over 318 kg to be unconfirmed. In 2005, a team of Russian, American and Indian zoologists published an analysis of historical and contemporary data on the body mass of wild and captive Siberian tigers, both males and females. The results of this analysis show that historically average weight male Amur tigers weighed 215.3 kg and females 137.5 kg, while today the average weight of males is about 176.4 kg and females 117.9 kg. Most large male wearing a radio collar, currently weighs 212 kg.
Lifestyle
Amur tiger - ruler huge territories, the area of which in the female is 300-500 km², and in the male - 600-800 km². If there is enough food within its territory, the tiger does not leave its territory. With a shortage of game, the number of cases of tigers attacking large livestock and dogs increases. The Amur tiger is active at night. Males lead a solitary life, while females are often found in groups. Tigers greet each other with special sounds produced by vigorously exhaling air through the nose and mouth. Signs of expression of friendliness are also touching with muzzles, and even rubbing with sides.
Nutrition
Despite enormous power and developed sense organs, the tiger has to devote a lot of time to hunting, since only one out of 10 attempts is successful. The tiger crawls towards its prey, moving in a special way: arching its back and resting its hind paws on the ground. It kills small animals by gnawing their throats, and first knocks large ones to the ground and only then gnaws off the cervical vertebrae.
If the attempt fails, the tiger moves away from the potential victim, as it rarely attacks again. The tiger usually drags the killed prey to the water, and before going to bed, hides the remains of the meal. He often has to drive away competitors. The tiger eats while lying down, holding its prey with its paws. Tigers specialize in hunting large ungulates, but on occasion they also do not disdain fish, frogs, birds and mice, and they also eat plant fruits. The basis of the diet consists of wapiti, sika and red deer, roe deer, wild boar, elk and small mammals. Daily norm tiger - 9-10 kg of meat. For the prosperous existence of one tiger, about 50-70 ungulates per year are needed.
Despite popular belief about cannibalism, Amur tiger, unlike the Bengal, rarely attacks humans and enters populated areas. In fact, he tries in every possible way to avoid the person. Since the 1950s in the Primorsky and Khabarovsk territories within settlements Only about a dozen attempts to attack people were recorded. In the taiga, attacks even on pursuing hunters are quite rare.
Life expectancy is about 15 years.
Puberty begins at 4-5 years of age. The mating period is not confined to a specific season. During estrus, the female leaves urine marks and scratches on the bark of trees. Since the tiger's domain is very large, the female often goes on her own to look for a partner. She is ready to mate on the third to seventh day of estrus. Tigers mate multiple times, during which time the animals stay together. Then the male leaves the female and goes in search of a new partner. After 95-112 days, 3-4 blind cubs are born. The mother feeds them milk. Tiger cubs' eyes open after about 9 days, and at two weeks of age their teeth begin to grow. Tiger cubs leave the shelter for the first time at the age of two months. The mother brings them meat, although she continues to feed them milk for another 5-6 months. From six months onwards, tiger cubs accompany their mother during the hunt. The female teaches the cubs to hunt. Such preparation for independent hunting life lasts for many months. Tiger cubs play a lot, which also helps them learn the skills necessary for hunting. At the age of one, the cubs go on an independent hunt for the first time, and by the age of two they are already able to overcome big catch. However, for the first few years of their lives, tiger cubs stay with their mother. The tigress hunts with young tigers until they reach sexual maturity.
Phylogenetic relationship to the Turanian tiger
IN beginning of XXI century, researchers from the University of Oxford, the US National Cancer Institute and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem collected tissue samples from the remains of 23 Turanian tigers, which are preserved in museums across Eurasia. Scientists have sequenced at least one segment of five mitochondrial genes (ND5, ND6, CytB, ND2, and COI (1257 bp)) and show low mitochondrial DNA variability in the Turanian tiger compared to other subspecies. When assessing phylogenetic relationships, there is a remarkable similarity between the Turanian and Amur tiger subspecies, indicating that the Amur tiger population is genetically close to the Turanian tigers, and to historically recent common origin these two taxa. Based on phylogeographic analysis, it was suggested that the ancestor of the Turanian and Amur tigers colonized Central Asia via Gansu-Silk Road region eastern China less than 10,000 years ago, and subsequently crossed Siberia east to form the Amur tiger population in the Russian Far East. Human actions may be a decisive factor in isolating the ranges of the Turanian and Amur tiger populations from each other, which likely had a continuous range historically.
The authors of the study also indicate that both subspecies, apparently, should be combined into one. At the same time, they emphasize that there is controversy regarding the possibility of diagnosing subtypes based on mtDNA. Nuclear DNA data could help resolve this question. The final reduction of the subspecies into one is possible if nuclear microsatellite markers are discovered that differ in different tiger subspecies. Although nuclear markers are more difficult to recover from ancient DNA. Additionally, if historical specimens of Amur tigers are found carrying Caspian tiger haplotypes, this would also indicate that there is no difference between the two subspecies. However, since turanian tiger was exterminated and several intact specimens are now in museum collections, it is difficult to revise the original morphological assessments of the differences between both subspecies.
Security
In 2008, Russia launched the Amur Tiger Study Program in the Russian Far East, developed by the Russian Academy of Sciences. The goal of the program is to develop the scientific basis for the conservation of this predator. To study the Amur tiger, the most modern methods research: collars with satellite GPS/GLONASS navigators, camera traps, molecular genetic methods for studying tigers, etc.
In 2008-2009 it took place complex expedition employees within the framework of the Amur Tiger Program on the territory of the Ussuri Nature Reserve of the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences in the Primorsky Territory of the Far East of Russia. It was possible to find out that six individuals of Amur tigers live in this territory. Using satellite collars, scientists monitor their routes, and for the first tagged female tiger, they were able to obtain 1,222 locations over the course of a year. According to published studies, the animal uses an area of almost 900 km² - despite the fact that the area of the reserve is only 400 km². This means that tigers venture far beyond the protected area, putting them at increased risk. These data, according to the publication, give reason to talk about the need to create a protective zone of the reserve and regulate human activities outside its borders.
In July 2010, Russia approved national Strategy conservation of the Amur tiger.
In November 2010, a International forum on issues related to the conservation of tigers on Earth, which was attended by representatives of 13 tiger range countries (Russia, Thailand, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar and Nepal). During the forum it was approved global program to restore tiger numbers and adopted a declaration on tiger conservation.
In culture and art
In heraldry
Previously, the tiger was also depicted on the coat of arms of Irkutsk, but when the coats of arms of the provinces were approved by Emperor Alexander II, a description of the coat of arms of the Irkutsk province with the Siberian word “babr” came to St. Petersburg heraldry (tiger), which was "corrected" by the heraldry official to "beaver". Due to the fact that the description now read “ beaver carrying sable in its teeth", that is, the beaver was supposed to be in the role of a predator; the coat of arms began to depict a fictional black animal with a large tail and webbed hind feet. This image has been preserved on the modern coats of arms of Irkutsk and the Irkutsk region, despite the fact that the error in the description has already been corrected. For more details, see the articles Babr, Coat of Arms of the Irkutsk Region.
Gallery
see also
- Babr
Notes
- Red Book of the USSR: Rare and endangered species of animals and plants. Volume 1 / Main ed. board: A. M. Borodin, A. G. Bannikov, V. E. Sokolov and others - 2nd ed. - M.: Forest Industry, 1984. - P. 47-48. - 392 s.
- Sokolov V. E. Rare and endangered animals. Mammals: Reference. allowance. - M.: graduate School, 1986. - P. 343. - 519 p., l. ill. - 100,000 copies.
- Fisher D., Simon N., Vincent D. The Red Book. Wildlife in danger / trans. from English, ed. A. G. Bannikova. - M.: Progress, 1976. - P. 114-115. - 478 p.
- Ussuri tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) (undefined) . animalbox.ru.
Amur tiger- most rare representative peace. Even in the mid-19th century, their population was large, but by the end of this century, approximately 100 individuals were killed every year.
It was thanks to this that already around the 30s of the 20th century the Amur was on the brink complete disappearance from planet Earth. At that time, there were less than 50 left on the territory of the USSR.
There are several main reasons for this phenomenon:
- Destruction of forests and bushes where the Amur people lived;
- Reducing the number of main food items;
- Direct extermination of individuals by poachers.
One of the most large predators planets - Amur tiger. Red Book already for for long years protects individuals of this species. However, in April 2007, according to experts World Fund wildlife, the Amur population has reached the same number as a hundred years ago. In this regard, on this moment The tiger is not on the verge of extinction.
In 2008 - 2009, a complex expedition took place within the framework of the Amur program, as a result of which it was determined that in the territory Ussuri Nature Reserve managed to count 6 representatives of this species. It also turned out that animal Amur tiger uses for its residence an area that is more than twice as large more area the entire reserve.
The Amur tiger has a beautiful skin color characteristic of a predator: against a red background there are transverse dark stripes on the back and sides. There is an opinion that it is impossible to meet at least two individuals with the same pattern, because they are all unique. This color, although bright, serves a camouflage function.
Due to its size, the tiger does not have stamina. To catch prey, he has to sneak up to it as close as possible, which is helped by the color, which merges with the dry one.
Look photo of Amur tiger, and you will see for yourself. On average, these tigers live about 15 years. Although the maximum lifespan is half a century, tigers, as a rule, die before their old age.
Predators only feed animal food, most often with large-sized prey. They devote a significant part of their time to hunting, but only a tenth of attempts to capture prey are successful.
The animals live in the southeast, on the banks of the Amur and Ussuri, in Manchuria, and the north of the DPRK. It can be found in the Primorsky Territory and in the east Khabarovsk Territory. Their range from the north is approximately a thousand kilometers, and from west to east – approximately 700 km. Tigers are especially common in the Lazovsky district of Primorsky Krai.
Amur tigers choose river rivers as places of residence. mountain valleys with a predominance of tree species such as oak and cedar. Any adult individual lives independently on a personal territory, which can be up to 450 square kilometers for females and up to 2 thousand square kilometers for males.
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The Amur tiger is one of the most rare species predators. Back in the 19th century there were quite a lot of them. However, due to poachers in the 30s of the twentieth century, the species was on the verge of complete extinction. At that time in the territory Soviet Union only 50 individuals remain.
During the 2008-2009 expedition, a special expedition “Amur Tiger” took place. Thus, it was found that there were only 6 tigers within the boundaries of the Ussuri Nature Reserve.
Description of the species
The Amur tiger belongs to the class of mammals. In fact, he is one of the most major representatives predators on the planet, because its mass can reach up to 300 kilograms. Moreover, according to some data, during the period of their large population there were animals of this species that weighed almost 400 kg. It goes without saying that you won’t find such people anymore.
The physical capabilities of this type of predator are also impressive - a tiger can easily carry prey weighing half a ton. The speed of movement can reach up to 80 km/h, and in this indicator it is second only to the cheetah.
It should also be noted appearance this animal. Like other predators of this class, it is characterized by a coloration in the form of a red background and white transverse stripes. It should be noted that in this case, this color also plays a camouflage role - in order to get prey, the tiger needs to get extremely close to it, and this is where this color helps, since it simply blends in with the dry vegetation.
Tiger food
The predator eats only meat and most often it is quite large prey. Generally, most The Amur tiger spends time searching for prey. Wild boars, wapiti, and deer are the main diet of the predator. For adequate nutrition, they need about 50 ungulates per year. However, if an animal lacks large prey, it does not disdain small ones - livestock, badgers, hares, and so on. At one time, a tiger can eat about 30 kilograms of meat, but the average portion is 10 kilograms.
Lifestyle
No matter how formidable this animal is, the habits that are inherent in all cats cannot be taken away from it. The tiger prefers solitude - it is part of a pack, and also goes after prey alone. The Amur tiger leaves the boundaries of its territory only if it needs to catch large prey. The predator also leaves special marks on its territory:
- strips the bark off trees;
- leaves scratches;
- splashing urine on vegetation or rocks.
The male defends his territory quite harshly - uninvited guests the tiger is simply trying to destroy, but with representatives of its own species it is trying to eliminate the conflict through a menacing roar. Fight for the Amur tiger last resort. Moreover, he can live in complete silence for several years.
Individuals reproduce twice a year. The tiger is by nature a polygamous animal, so it can keep several females on its territory at once. If another tiger claims them, then even a fight is possible.
Place of residence
Resides this type predator in the south-eastern territory of Russia, the banks of the Amur River, in Manchuria and even in the territory of the DPRK. Largest quantity tigers are currently located in the Lazovsky district, in the Primorsky Territory.
A comfortable area of residence for a tiger is river Mountain landscape with trees such as oak and cedar. An adult tiger can live on an area of up to 2,000 square kilometers without problems and with maximum comfort. The female can live alone in an area of up to 450 square kilometers.
Reasons for disappearance
Of course, the main reason that the number of Amur tigers has dropped to almost nothing is their moderate extermination by poachers. Up to a hundred tigers were killed a year just to get their skin.
However, scientists who have studied in detail this question, found out that the reason for the disappearance is not only mass shooting. The reasons for the disappearance could also be the following:
- critically insufficient amount of food items;
- deliberate destruction of bushes and trees where Amur tigers lived.
It goes without saying that these two factors did not arise without human help.
What is happening to the Amur tigers now?
Now this species of predator is listed in the Red Book as such, which is on the verge of extinction. Adults and cubs are under strict protection in protected areas. However, based on observations, it was established that the protected area may not be enough for them and they go beyond its boundaries, which is extremely dangerous.
Unfortunately, this is far from the only kind animals that have practically disappeared from the planet only because man contributed to this. In this case, mass shooting due to the desire to profit led to such extremely negative consequences.
Experts in this field are making every effort to ensure that the Amur tiger population increases. However, it is quite difficult for this predator to reproduce in captivity, so mass attempts do not always lead to success.
The Ussuri (Amur, Far Eastern) tiger is a subspecies that just recently could have completely disappeared. Besides, Ussurian tiger - the only one living in cold conditions.
This animal was able to achieve the highest skill in hunting because, unlike those living in prides and practicing collective hunting, predator Ussuri tiger is always a pronounced loner.
Features and appearance of the Ussuri tiger
Animal Ussuri tiger strong and powerful, with considerable physical strength. Its weight reaches 300 kg. Maximum weight, which was recorded - 384 kg. The body is 1.5 - 3 meters long, and the tail is approximately 1 meter. - a very fast animal, even in snowy terrain it is capable of running at a speed of about 80 km/h.
The body of the animal is flexible, the paws are not too high. The ears are short and small. Only this subspecies has a layer of fat 5 cm wide formed on its belly, which protects the predator from icy wind and low temperatures.
In the photo there is a Ussuri tiger
The tiger has color vision. It has thicker fur than tigers that live in warmer climates. The coat is orange, with black stripes on the back and sides, and the belly is white. The pattern on the skin is individual for each animal. The coloring helps the tiger blend in with the trees of the winter taiga.
Habitat of the Ussuri tiger
The largest number of tigers live in southeastern Russia. This is a protected area. The Ussuri tiger lives along the banks of the Amur River, as well as the Ussuri River, which is how it got its name.
Much fewer tigers live in Manchuria (China), approximately 40 - 50 individuals, i.e. 10% of total number tigers in the world. Another place of distribution of this subspecies of tigers is Sikhote-Alin, where the only viable population of this type.
Character and lifestyle
The Far Eastern tiger lives in a harsh climate: air temperature ranges from -47 degrees in winter to +37 degrees in summer time. When very tired, a tiger can lie down directly on the snow.
Resting in the snow can last up to several hours, and the predator will not feel the cold. This species is uniquely adapted to cold and frost. But for a long rest, he prefers to find shelter among rocks, between ledges, and also under fallen trees.
The female makes a den for the cubs; for this she looks for the most inaccessible place, for example, in an inaccessible rock, in thickets or a cave. Adult males do not need a den.
They prefer to relax just next to their prey. Young tigresses separate from their mother at 1.5–2 years, everything depends on the appearance of the next litter in the female. But they do not go far from their mother’s den, unlike males.
Each tiger lives in an individual area, its area is determined by the number of ungulates. Every day tigers walk around their property. The female and male live in territories of varying sizes.
The male's territory ranges from 600 to 800 square meters. km, and females from about 300 to 500 sq. km. The smallest territory belongs to the female with her cubs. It is up to 30 sq. km. As a rule, several females live in the territory of one male.
On average, a tiger travels a distance of about 20 km per day, but the course can be 40 km. Tigers are animals that love consistency. They use the same trails and regularly mark their territory.
Amur tigers love solitude and never live in packs. During the day they like to lie on the rocks, from where they can see good review. Far Eastern tigers like water; they can lie in or near any body of water for hours. Tigers are excellent swimmers and can even swim across the river.
Diet of the Ussuri tiger
The Far Eastern tiger is a predator; it has large fangs (about 7 cm) with which they catch, kill and dismember prey. It does not chew, but cuts the meat with its molars and then swallows it.
Thanks to the presence of soft pads on its paws, the tiger moves almost silently. Tigers can hunt at any time. Their favorite food is: wapiti, small mammals.
However, sometimes they eat with pleasure and can eat the fruits of some plants. The average individual should eat 9–10 kg of meat per day. With adequate nutrition, the animal quickly becomes fat and can then go a week without food.
The predator usually drags its prey to the water, and hides the remaining food in a safe place before going to bed. Eats lying down, holding prey with its paws. The Amur tiger rarely attacks humans. Since 1950, there have only been about 10 recorded cases of this tiger species attacking humans. Even if hunters chase a tiger, it does not attack them.
Reproduction and life expectancy of the Ussuri tiger
The mating season for tigers does not occur during certain time year, but still more often it occurs towards the end of winter. For childbirth, the female chooses the most impassable and safe place.
Usually the female gives birth to two or three cubs, less often one or four. There are cases of the birth of five tiger cubs. Babies just born are absolutely helpless and weigh up to 1 kg.
However, future predators grow quickly. By two weeks they begin to see and hear. By one month, the tiger cubs have doubled their weight and begin to emerge from the den. From two months they try meat.
But mother's milk feed up to 6 months. First, the tigress brings them food, and then begins to lead them to the prey. At the age of two, tiger cubs begin to hunt with their mother, their weight at this time is about 100 kg.
The male does not help in raising children, although he often lives not far from them. The tiger family breaks up when the cubs reach 2.5 - 3 years old. Tigers grow throughout their lives. Amur tigers live on average about 15 years. They could live up to 50 years, but, as a rule, due to harsh conditions habitat they die early.
In the photo there are cubs of the Ussuri tiger
Conservation of the Ussuri tiger
In the mid-nineteenth century, this type of tiger was quite common. However number Ussuri tigers declined sharply at the beginning of the twentieth century.
This is due to the uncontrolled capture of tiger cubs and the shooting of animals, which at that time was not regulated in any way. The harsh climatic conditions tiger territories.
In 1935, a reserve was organized on Sikhote-Alin. From this moment on, hunting for Far Eastern tiger, and even for zoos, tiger cubs were captured only as an exception.
It is currently unknown How many Ussuri tigers are left?, according to 2015 data, the number of individuals in the Far East was 540. Since 2007, experts have declared that the species is no longer endangered. However, Ussuri tiger in the Red Book Russia is still listed.
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