The return of the caspian tiger: how a species feared extinct has come back to Kazakhstan
Summary
Kazakhstan has released a female tiger named Umit into a nature reserve, marking the first time the Caspian tiger has been reintroduced after being extinct for over 70 years. Scientists found that the Caspian tiger and the Amur tiger are genetically very similar, allowing Amur tigers to be used to bring back the Caspian tiger’s presence.Key Facts
- Umit, a female tiger from Russia, was released near Lake Balkhash in Kazakhstan on July 31.
- Kazakhstan is the first country to restore the Caspian tiger’s range after it was declared extinct.
- The last reliable sighting of Caspian tigers in Kazakhstan was more than 70 years ago.
- The Caspian tiger was declared extinct in 2003 due to hunting and habitat loss.
- DNA shows the Caspian tiger and the Amur tiger are almost genetically identical.
- Plans are to build a population of about 50 tigers in the region using tigers brought from Russia.
- Two tiger cubs are being raised in the reserve with minimal human contact and could be released next year.
- Suitable habitat for reintroduction was identified mainly in Kazakhstan, especially in Ile-Balkhash nature reserve.
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