Tiger Triumph?

Scientists are finding ways to protect Olga and other tigers. So far, they’ve helped set up anti-poaching squads to keep poachers out of the forest.

The squads look for signs that poachers have been in the forest. If they spot gun shells or traps, they know to look for poachers. Their work is paying off. They have helped make several arrests.

Some tigers still get poached, and their habitat is still shrinking but Siberian tiger numbers are on the rise. Nearly 400 may now roam the wild. Some are even moving into areas where they haven’t been seen in years.

Siberian Tiger Population

Four hundred tigers may not sound like a lot. It isn’t. But it’s a start. There are more tigers today than there were 100 years ago. And their numbers are increasing.

In May 2002, Olga gave birth to her sixth litter of cubs. In many ways, she was thriving and helping the endangered cats to make an amazing comeback. However, Olga’s story also shows why poaching remains a serious threat to Siberian tigers.

In January 2005, Olga suddenly disappeared. Officials who were tracking Olga believe she is the victim of poachers. Staff of the Siberian Tiger Project have seen many cases in which poachers first kill the tiger and then destroy its collar. That’s why scientists today are more determined than ever to protect endangered tigers, like Olga, from the continued threats to their survival.