Assessing factors influencing a possible South China tiger reintroduction: a survey of international conservation professionals

Abstract

SUMMARYTigers are among the most at-risk large carnivores and the South China tiger is the most threatened tiger subspecies. Reintroduction programmes are one strategy to re-establishing extirpated populations. China is committed to restoring wild South China tigers, but uncertainty remains about factors constraining these efforts. The aim of this study was to query conservation and reintroduction professionals about their attitudes and concerns and to provide guidance regarding a possible tiger reintroduction effort in South Central China. We carried out a global survey of 287 scholars and practitioners involved with wildlife reintroduction and conservation. We received responses from 68 (23.7%) respondents. More than 70% supported a potential South China tiger reintroduction effort, but many expressed concerns over planning and implementation, adherence to International Union for Conservation of Nature reintroduction guidelines and elimination of underlying threats. Respondents generally believed that China has the capacity to carry out such a programme, but may not have the experience or socio-political environment to address the issues facing human populations; 62% of respondents suggested a plausible release site should be greater than 2000 km2. To our knowledge, this is the first survey related to a potential large carnivore reintroduction programme in Asia; it has implications for future reintroduction and recovery programmes in Asia and globally.

Risk perception, trust and support for wildlife reintroduction and conservation

“…Perceived risk is the degree to which individuals believe they are threatened by some hazard or danger , Harper et al 2015. Major concerns over wildlife reintroductions often come from risks associated with the species being reintroduced, such as potential damage to property, changes to the environment, spreading of disease, loss of livestock or crops and threats to human safety (Shoenecker &Shaw 1997, Qin andNyhus 2017). Studies suggest that when risk perceptions are high, there is less acceptance or support for wildlife reintroductions (Williams et al 2002).…”

Colonization and Development of the Fecal Microflora of South China Tiger Cubs (<b><i>Panthera tigris amoyensis</i></b>) by Sequencing of the 16S rRNA Gene

“…The South China tiger (Panthera tigris amoyensis), also known as the Xiamen or Amoy tiger, is the most threatened tiger subspecies [Qin and Nyhus, 2018]. Approximately 100 South China tigers have been raised in zoos or reserves [Jiang et al, 2016].…”

A comprehensive review of mammalian carnivore translocations

“…Other countries may not have sufficient protected areas or available high‐quality release habitat, funding, or government policies for conservation translocations (Seddon et al 2005, Berger‐Tal et al 2020). However, jaguars Panthera onca were recently reintroduced for the first time in Argentina, with further reintroductions planned (Alberts 2021), and there has been a recent focus on the reintroduction of large felids in Asia and eastern Russia (Qin et al 2015, Gray et al 2017, WWF 2017, Qin & Nyhus 2018, Roy 2021). Successful reintroductions of these large carnivores will depend on addressing the threats that caused their decline, including restocking ungulate populations that have declined through habitat loss and hunting for human food (Johnsingh & Madhusudan 2009).…”