Published on: 2026-07-29
Source: People’s Republic of China — Translation
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Changchun/Vladivostok, July 29 /Xinhua/ — Deep in the dense forests along the China-Russia border, an infrared camera captured a wild Manchurian / Amur / tiger crossing the border. This is not the first video recording showing wild Manchurian tigers. In fact, to date, more than 200 cases of Manchurian tiger border crossings have been documented, along with over 220 cases involving Far Eastern leopards.
This region is divided between northeastern China and the Russian Far East and is an important habitat for Manchurian tigers and Amur leopards—rare and endangered species that are crucial for biodiversity conservation.
“The populations of wild Manchurian tigers and Amur leopards in our country were once in a state of extreme threat of extinction,” says Kun Weiyao, a category 4 researcher at the management of the National Park of Manchurian Tigers and Amur Leopards. “After the establishment of the Chinese National Park of Manchurian Tigers and Amur Leopards, 19 previously existing protected areas were merged. Systematic conservation work was deployed. At present, the populations of tigers and leopards in the reserve have recovered to about 70 and 80 individuals respectively,” he adds.
The Chinese National Park of Manchurian Tigers and Amur Leopards and the Russian national park “Land of the Leopard” together form a habitat for wild Manchurian tigers and Amur leopards, where they can freely move across the border. Previously, wire fences hindered animal migration. However, in recent years, China and Russia have been actively creating “ecological corridors,” restoring natural connections between forest areas.
“More than 290 wire fences have been dismantled on the China-Russia border. This has effectively restored transboundary corridors for wild animals between the two countries,” says Wang Tianmin, professor at the Faculty of Biological Sciences at Beijing Normal University, head of the National Field Scientific Observation Station for the biodiversity of the Manchurian tiger and the Far Eastern leopard. He also notes that the integrated biodiversity monitoring system “land–sky–space” developed by Beijing Normal University, operating in real time, combines over 20 thousand monitoring devices, providing automatic identification and monitoring of 30 species, including tigers, leopards, humans, and cows. The species identification accuracy exceeds 95%, ensuring intelligent and precise management.
From the brink of extinction to free migration. This achievement became possible not only due to scientific and technical support but also thanks to the tireless work of people.
Cui Zhibin works as a ranger in the National Park of Manchurian Tigers and Far Eastern Leopards. His main task is patrolling mountainous areas to ensure the safety of wild animals. “If we encounter an injured animal, we assess its condition and provide assistance. For minor injuries, we help on the spot; for serious ones, we take it to the base for treatment,” he says. His colleague Zhao Yan has lived in the forest area since childhood. He proudly notes that “over the past ten-plus years, the living conditions have been getting better and better, the vegetation thicker, and there are more and more animals.”
In Russia, the population of wild cats is also steadily increasing. The number of Far Eastern leopards has grown from 35 individuals at the time the “Land of the Leopard” national park was established to more than 120, and there are now over 50 Manchurian tigers. The border area, which is protected by both countries, has become the most densely populated habitat of these predators in the world.
“To preserve the predator, it is necessary to preserve the entire ecosystem: habitats, food base, forests, prevent fires and poaching. Equally important is to foster a respectful attitude towards large predators among people through environmental education,” notes Victor Bardyuk, director of the ‘Land of the Leopard’ National Park. In his opinion, despite differences in national monitoring methods, the data from both sides complement each other and allow an objective assessment of the cross-border population’s status.
China and Russia have established a cross-border demonstration zone for joint biodiversity conservation covering about 17 thousand square kilometers. In addition, both sides have deployed various forms of cooperation, creating one of the most successful examples of international collaboration in biodiversity conservation.
“Scientists from our two countries jointly monitor tigers and leopards and conduct scientific research on the transboundary migrations of tigers and leopards, and jointly publish data on their protection,” says Chen Xiaocai, Head of the General Affairs Department of the Management of the Manchurian Tiger and Amur Leopard National Park, adding that competitions are also held among the rangers of the two countries and various activities among young people.
Manchurian tigers, once on the brink of extinction, have today found a home again in their native forests. Thanks to perseverance, advanced technologies, and cooperation between China and Russia, the border for the striped predator has become just a line on the map, not an obstacle on its path. The joint efforts of the two countries have turned the rescue of this endangered species into a reality. –0–
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