The principal American and Russian partners will describe the needs and opportunities to restore and extend habitat for the endangered Siberian tiger in southeastern Primorsky Krai, Russia. Combining scientific, cultural and political information, the partnership used corporate and individual donations to AMERICAN FORESTS’ Global ReLeaf Program to design and implement a tree planting project to replace Korean pine lost through fire and development. Korean pine, a protected species, produces mast for the tiger’s prey and pinion like nuts for human consumption. The project involved local villagers in the planning and actual planting operations, thus providing much needed income and building commitment to recovery of the tiger. Site preparation provided critically needed fuel wood distributed to local veterans.
The success of the project conducted in 2000 and 2001 has led to a five year strategic plan for planting up to one million trees per year on areas adjacent to existing preserves and for corridors to connect suitable habitat in the Krai managed public forests not now being used by tigers. The Krai Department of Forestry is cooperating closely with the Academy and international scientific NGO’s in identifying candidate areas for planting. The Department views the project as an important biological and cultural use of these forests. The presenters will offer three perspectives of the project including visual images
New knowledge, skills, or insights that participants will gain from session: 1) International cooperation in recovery of endangered species. 2) Ecosystem restoration through tree planting thus restoring essential elements of wildlife habitat. 3) Reorienting community and official forestry attitudes and perceptions of forest use and protection
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