The South China Tiger
Scientific Name: Panthera Tigris Amoyensis
Overview
The South China tiger population was estimated to number 4,000 individuals in the early 1950s. Today the South China tiger is considered by scientists to be “functionally extinct,” as it has not been sighted in the wild for more than 25 years. Their habitiat is the Southeast China-Hainan Moist Forests, and they are now found in zoos and breeding centers.
Why Are They Hunted?
In the 1950's to the 1980's, these tigers were considered pests and were hunted to kill them off. In 1979, a law was passed that made it illegal for these tigers to be hunted. By 1996, the population of these tigers was around only 30-80 tigers. These tigers are now considered "functionally extinct" by scientists, as there has not been a sighting of one in the wild for more than 25 years.
South China Tiger
These tigers are known for being the smallest species of endangered tigers.
Baby Tiger
This is a picture of a baby tiger out in the wild, or in a zoo.
Tiger in Habitat
This is a picture of a tiger out in the habitat that they would live in if they were in the wild. The zoos that these tigers have moved too try their best to recreate their natural habitats.
What is Being Done to Protect Them
China's government has written up an action plan to help save these tigers, and hunting them has been illegal for years. Their plan includes educating people, using media appearances and publicity to get the message out, and they are starting a breeding center for these tigers. If you would like to help, you can also donate at www.savechinastogers.org/donate to help and save these tigers from extinction.