Exploring Coexistence with Apex Predators: The Rise of "Tiger Research" in Primorye
## Amur Tiger Conservation Strategy: Educating Future Stewards of the Wild
The Amur Tiger Conservation Strategy, a key initiative spearheaded by Russian President Vladimir Putin, has expanded its reach to include an educational program for schoolchildren in Vladivostok called **"Tigrology."**
This project, deeply rooted in the Strategy's commitment to maintaining ungulate populations, preventing conflicts, and combating poaching, aims to instill a sense of responsibility towards nature and the preservation of the Amur tiger.
### Collaborative Efforts for a Cause
The project is a collaborative effort between the Primorsky Krai government, Vladivostok administration, Amur Tiger Center, "Living in Primorye" Public Support Headquarters, and "URSA" Ice Cream Factory.
### Informing the Youth
Tigrology focuses on educating schoolchildren about the biology, ecology, and conservation challenges of the Amur tiger, one of the most iconic and endangered big cats native to the Russian Far East. Through workshops, lectures, and field trips, students learn about the tiger’s habitat, diet, behavior, and role in the ecosystem, as well as the threats it faces and the importance of coexistence.
### Shaping the Future
The program's ultimate goal is to foster awareness, respect, and coexistence between humans and the Amur tiger, helping to cultivate future stewards of the environment. Students participate in awareness campaigns, poster contests, and community outreach promoting tiger conservation, with older students potentially assisting in local conservation efforts or research projects.
### Achieving Success
To date, over 200 young Vladivostok residents have attended lectures as part of Tigrology, with five meetings held. Representatives from relevant departments, including specialists from the Ministry of Forestry and Environmental Protection, museum experts, and representatives of the Amur Tiger Center, have spoken at these meetings, imparting their knowledge and passion for tiger conservation.
The project's success can be measured by the increased local youth awareness about tiger conservation, reduced fear and misunderstandings about wild tigers, and the promotion of sustainable coexistence practices. Tigrology serves as an inspiring example of how education can play a crucial role in preserving endangered species and fostering a deeper connection between humans and nature.
In the Amur Tiger Conservation Strategy, the educational program "Tigrology" focuses on integrating science, particularly environmental science, into the learning curricula of schoolchildren in Vladivostok, aiming to instill a passion for education and self-development in the context of environmental conservation. This program, designed to foster awareness, respect, and coexistence between humans and the Amur tiger, encourages students to take active roles in learning about the Amur tiger's biology, ecology, and conservation challenges, shaping them into future stewards of the environment.
