ON THE EDGE OF EXTINCTION - A - THE TIGER (Panthera tigris)

[peter]

AMUR TIGRESS ASKING FOR HUMAN HELP PASSED AWAY

In post 1,985, I wrote about an old wild Amur tigress knocking on the door of a family living in a village not too far from Vladivostok. As help was badly needed, she added a few growls. This picture was taken after she had been darted:

*This image is copyright of its original author

In the rahabilitation center, she initially did quite well. Most unfortunately, the recovery was short-lived. The reason was a severe disease.

Here's a full report in the 'Siberian Times'. It has new photographs:    

https://siberiantimes.com/ecology/others/news/sadness-as-tigress-who-came-in-from-wild-to-ask-for-human-help-dies/

MALE AMUR TIGER 'TIKHON' 

The article in the 'Siberian Times' has a link to a recent article about wild male tiger 'Tikhon', who also said he could do with a bit of help. In order to underline the urgency of his problem, he killed two guard dogs and showed himself when ever possible. 

The rangers quickly understood and decided for a dart and a taxi to the rehabilitation center. Chances are it was his last trip, as he is at least 15 years of age. Remarkable in today's world.    

ABOUT INTENTION AND COMMUNICATION 

Those who work with captive big cats told me communication between humans and animals isn't a one-sided affair. Trainers know how to contact animals, but animals also know how to deliver a message. 

Most of us know about 'intention' from the dictionary, but in animals everything starts with that. Hunters seldom see animals when out in the forest. This is the reason they like to use dogs. Without their rifle, their attitude changes. Wild animals immediately notice. All tiger hunters saw their largest tiger when they were unarmed.   

Wild big cats know humans are way more dangerous than any other animal. That's why even experienced biologists and rangers seldom see them. Wild big cats can distinguish between rangers and poachers, but self-preservation always comes first. That's why they prefer to stay out of sight and reach.

When attitudes change over time, animals know. Do they respond?      

In the Russian Far East, the effort to save tigers and leopards is taken seriously by many. Same for habitat conservation. It had an effect. Animals are still poached, but most humans they see are different from poachers. It's more than likely that tigers noticed. They're still invisible, but some individuals apparently do not hesitate to contact humans when in need of help. Apparently, they know how to distinguish between poachers and rangers.

A bit over the top? Remember the tigress in Sumatra who left her cub on a trail often used by rangers? She was very close when they found and took her to a rehabilitation center. When they left, she let them know she had been there all the time. Unable to help her cub, she decided to contact humans. Yes, it was a decision. Taken by a wild tigress.        

A few years ago, a rehabilitation center was created in Primorye. Turned out to be a big assett. My advice would be to add a home for the elderly as well as a hospital. Life out there is tough. Reply