№ 03 of 100
South China Tiger
Panthera tigris amoyensis
No wild sighting has been confirmed in over three decades — the entire future of this tiger rests on around 200 captive descendants.
- Range
- China
- Region
- Asia
- Habitat
- Subtropical evergreen forest of south-central China (historic range)
The story
Once the most numerous tiger in China, the South China tiger was hunted as a pest until they vanished from the wild. A captive population descended from just six founders is the focus of breeding and rewilding programmes that hope, one day, to return tigers to China's southern forests.
What's killing them
- Eradication campaigns of the 20th century
- Habitat loss
- Prey depletion
- Inbreeding in captive population
Who's fighting for them
PantheraPanthera — Wild Cat Conservation
IUCN Red ListInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — Species Survival Commission
WWFWorld Wide Fund for Nature
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Quick answers
How many South China Tigers are left in the world?
Approximately 0 confirmed wild · ~200 captive. The South China Tiger (Panthera tigris amoyensis) is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, and their population trend is unknown. Figures are estimates compiled from the IUCN Red List and conservation organisations.
Where does the South China Tiger live?
The South China Tiger is found in China (Asia). Their habitat: Subtropical evergreen forest of south-central China (historic range).
Why is the South China Tiger endangered?
The main threats to the South China Tiger are: Eradication campaigns of the 20th century; Habitat loss; Prey depletion; Inbreeding in captive population.
Who is working to save the South China Tiger?
Organisations working on South China Tiger conservation include Panthera — Wild Cat Conservation; International Union for Conservation of Nature — Species Survival Commission; World Wide Fund for Nature.