The Fate of the South China Tiger

South China's own tiger species may be the source for much Asia's infatuation with this species.  It is worthy of our consideration for this reason.  The South Chinese tiger (Panthera tigris amoyenis) is also known as the Chinese Amoy or Xiamen tiger.  It is a peculiar subspecies of tiger native to the forests and jungles of South China.  This tiger is one of the smaller species.  Sadly, it is also the most critically endangered of any living tiger species.  Experts in this area of study say that there are probably fewer than 20 of these tigers left in the wild.  Plus, they also warn that the South Chinese tiger could become extinct in a decade or so.  The Chinese tiger is believed by these experts to be the "stem" tiger which all other tigers may have descended.  No matter the case, the South Chinese tiger has been listed more recently as one of the world's 10 most endagered animals.

Since the year 1990, China's State Forestry Administration has been leading the effort to preserve the South Chinese tiger from extinction.  This has been done through the establishment of special Nature Reserves for the 10 to 30 Chinese tigers believed to be left in the wilderness.  A 1987 study by Chinese scientists also reported a few tigers remaining in the Guangdong mountain area, which border Hunan and Jiangxi Provinces.  Still, another survey in 1990 noted some evidence of about a dozen tigers in 11 reserves.  These reserves were located in the remote mountain areas of Guangdong, Hunan, and Fujian Provinces.  These provinces, needless to say, are all located in South China.

Perhaps reasons like these also encourage people to remember the South China tiger.  One way of doing that is to have a Chinese tiger collectible in your home or office.  It will remind you of the special creature whose fate does not appear to be very good.  The tiger is indeed a beautiful and powerful symbol to own with so many ancient stories having been told and re-told about it.  It would make a very wonderful addition to your home.

Harlan Urwiler

For more information, please feel free to check out my website at:  http://www.myorientalgallery.com/.