Mitigate human-wildlife conflict in China

Abstract

Since passing a wildlife protection law in 1989, China has made great strides in wildlife conservation (1). Protection in natural habitats, conservation in zoos, and release of captive wildlife back into nature have all facilitated the population growth of species such as the Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris ssp. altaica) and Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis) (2). These animals, in search of additional food and space, enter areas developed by humans, leading to human-wildlife conflicts (3, 4). From the late 1990s through 2010, there were more than 6000 cases of compensation for wildlife damage nationwide (5). Yet, local populations and governments remain unprepared to deal with wildlife in populated areas.