The Siberian tiger, being highly endangered, has been the subject of several conservation efforts. Due mainly to habitat loss and poaching, there may be as few as 700 tigers left in the wild, less than in zoos around the world. Poaching has risen since the fall of the Soviet Union and tiger parts are sold in the black market for high prices to use in medicines. Siberian tigers are also killed for their thick, luxurious coats. Hopefully, better enforcement on poaching laws and more cooperation from the world will stop the shrinking of their habitat and keep them alive for many more generations to enjoy.

A new Siberian tiger reserve has been opened on the border of China and Russia. Experts hope that it will help save both Siberian tigers and the Far Eastern Leopard.

Also, several Siberian tigers have been radio collared. They have been tracked for quite a while. The statuses of these tigers is as follows:

Tiger 1-March, fairly good condition, pretty thin but with good coat and teeth. Had litter of three cubs in 1997. Is also suspected of killing livestock.

Tiger 3-October, good condition, had two cubs (tigers 25 and 26).

Tiger 15-October, believed to be dead as well as her litter of four.

Tiger 16-March, mated with Tiger 25, very good physical condition.

Tiger 20-March, okay physical condition, three canines broken since 1995.

Tiger 21-January, moved home ranges, may have produced cubs.

Tiger 22-January and February, broke a leg in the previous June, stump of one of his toes was bleeding, may have trouble hunting, does not travel more than 3.1 miles per day.

Tiger 23-February, occupies more territory than had previously.

Tiger 25-November, Tiger 3's cub, most likely is a fairly successful hunter.

Tiger 26-February and March, moved home ranges and has not been found since.

Tiger 27-May, good physical condition, fat on rump, good coat, never had cubs.

These tigers were tracked mostly in 1997 and 1998 but a few of them were last seen in 1995. Siberian tigers are important to their habitat because they control herbivore populations and help to draw tourists. Find out more about adopting a tiger or give money to conservation groups and maybe we can keep this magnificent cat out of the claws of death.