The Tigris Foundation, based in the Netherlands, works in conjunction with the Hornocker Wildlife Institute, Moscow, Idaho. In Partnership, they support the Amba anti-poaching team in Russia, led by Andrei Yurshenko, who is determined to win the battle against   poaching. In addition to preventing poaching in the area, the team assists in fighting seasonal forest fires in Autumn and Winter. Large tracks of forest burn every year, which eventually creates a shortage of food for ungulates, the main prey item for the leopards and tigers. 1   

In February of 1998, Amba worked with the Hornocker Institute and Russian scientists to conduct a census of leopards and tigers in the area. A total of 40-44 leopards and 14-18 tigers were counted in Khansanski Rayon, the area where  most of the Amur leopards live. The tracks of a female leopard with three young cubs were found near one deer farm. This is the first evidence in many years of a female leopard raising three young, and is a hopeful sign that things may be improving for the leopard in the region. 1

In 1999 one more range was added to the team bringing the total number of rangers to 4. They have been very successful not only protecting the leopards but also confiscating illegally logged timber and large amounts of rifles.                                            

1. Tigris Foundation Field Report,    October 4, 1998 Michiel Hotte.   

The Tigris Foundation Amur Leopard Protection!

Project Survivals main purpose is to help researchers & conservationists in their efforts to protect wild cats. We were very happy to have the opportunity to help with the Tigris Foundation's anti-poaching effort.  Alan Shoemaker, Collection Manager at the Riverbanks Zoological Park South Carolina, asked the Project Survival's Cat Haven along with other zoological facilities that hold Amur leopards in their collections, to contribute $500.00 to help fund the  anti-poaching team. There are currently 24 facilities in the United States that hold Amur leopards. The Cat Haven turned the decision over to the Board of Directors of Project Survival. The Board unanimously approved the discussion and the funds were sent to help the effort. To this date January 1, 2000 eight of the twenty-four facilities have contributed the requested $500.00.