The Panthera tigris altaica, or more commonly know as the Siberian Tiger, is one of six tiger species that is mainly located in Siberia, Russia as well as northern China. The Siberian Tiger is considered a critically endangered species all around the world with only 450 wild Siberian tigers left in the world. Now what is causing these beautiful mammals to go extinct? There are many factors that are contributing to these animals becoming extinct but there are 3 that I would like to focus on. These include: 1) deforestation on their natural habitat, 2) poaching, and 3) tourism .

Deforestation is a major reason that Siberian tigers are going extinct. The World Wildlife Organization stated "In 2011, only 16 percent of the 691 registered cases of illegal logging in Primorsky Province were brought to trial—the lowest figure in the past 10 years." There are many organizations working with the Russian government to reduce the amount of illegal logging that is still going on today. More can still be done if international agencies such as the World Animal Protection organization based out of Toronto, Canada and the Animal Welfare Foundation of Canada scrutinize the Chinese and Russian furniture and flooring that might be illegally sourced hardwood. How can you make a difference now?  Knowing and making sure that the wood you use is legally sourced is crucial to preserve the Siberian tiger's habitat. The best way to make sure is to make sure that the wood has been FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified.  

Poaching is the horrific act of illegally hunting an animal and is one of the leading causes of the Siberian tiger's critical endangerment. A study from the World Wildlife Fund-Russia  "estimates that 30 to 50 Siberian tigers are still killed every year by poachers, who sell the pelts and body parts for use in traditional Asian medicine as cures for a variety of ailments." Thanks to the efforts of The WWF and President Putin new laws have been put into place to greatly increase the punishment for wildlife crime such as poaching, illegal trade of animal products, and the transportation of Siberian tigers and leopards. However, more still need to be done by recruiting additional wildlife scouts and rangers to help protect these endangered animals, giving the critically endangered animals a sanctuary, and overall making the already very tight laws even tighter. 

Everyone should experience the wonders that nature has to offer but it should not be at the expense to the animals and their home. When you go out into the wilderness make sure that when you leave there is no trace that you were there. This means cleaning up your garbage and not cutting down live trees for wood or disturbing an animal's den. When you are going to see an animal in captivity make sure that you are supporting ethical and humane practices. 

Deforestation, poaching, and tourism are a few of the leading causes that contribute to Siberian tigers becoming extinct.  By choosing to only visit zoos and wildlife preserves that practice the ethical and humane treatment of animals as well as limiting the size of one's environmental footprint when in the tiger's natural habitat we can support the survival of this species.  We can also make a difference by asking questions of a supplier to ensure that we only support wood products coming from legal and ethical sources.  Finally, tighter laws and sanctions to prevent the illegal hunting of this precious animal can help ensure the survival of the species. 

By signing this petition, together we can bring this issue to Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister and the Canadian Ambassadors to both China and Russia to help bring this amazing animal back from the brink of extinction.