South China Tiger
Overview
-
CR
Status
Critically Endangered
-
a
Population
believed to be extinct in the wild
-
b
Scientific Name
Panthera tigris amoyensis
-
e
Habitats
Southeast China-Hainan Moist Forests
The South China tiger population was estimated to number 4,000 individuals in the early 1950s. In the next few decades, thousands were killed as the subspecies was hunted as a pest. The Chinese government banned hunting in 1979. By 1996 the population was estimated to be just 30-80 individuals.
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.
Why They Matter
-
South China tigers are a reminder that the threat against the world’s tiger is an urgent one. Today, South China tigers are found in zoos and in South Africa where there are plans to reintroduce captive-bred tigers back into the wild.
Threats
- Population believed to be extinct in the wild
-
Extinction Risk Critically Endangered
-
EX
Extinct
No reasonable doubt that the last individual has died
-
EW
Extinct in the Wild
Known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalised population
-
CR
Critically Endangered
Facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the Wild
-
EN
Endangered
Facing a high risk of extinction in the Wild
-
VU
Vulnerable
Facing a high risk of extinction in the Wild
-
NT
Near Threatened
Likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future
-
LC
Least Concern
Does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, or Near Threatened
-
EX
Hunted as Pests
Although China outlawed tiger hunting in 1979 and declared the South China tiger's survival a conservation priority in 1995, it is thought that even if a few individuals remain, no existing protected areas or habitat are sufficiently large, healthy or undisturbed enough to sustain viable tiger populations.
Habitat in Pieces
If any South China tigers remain in the wild, these few individuals would be found in montane sub-tropical evergreen forest of southeast China, close to provincial borders. The habitat is highly fragmented, with most blocks smaller than 200 square miles and not large enough to sustain a tiger population.
How You Can Help
Take Action
Tell your members of Congress and President Obama to reject budget proposals that would slash funding for endangered species and tropical forests, clean air and water, and efforts to confront climate change.
Stay Connected
Get the latest wildlife news and conservation updates sent to your inbox with our monthly e-newsletter.
Adopt an Animal
Make a symbolic animal adoption to help save some of the world's most endangered animals from extinction and support WWF's conservation efforts.
