New Book Chronicles the Inspiring Battle to Save Siberian Tigers

tigers between empires
Jonathan C. Slugt, Allen Lane (UK). Farrar, Strauss, Giroux (USA)

The Siberian tiger is an extraordinary creature, characterized by its “black and orange striped body.” It lets out a roar reminiscent of a “terrible tide,” especially during the harsh winters of Russia’s Far East. Specifically, we refer to the Amur tiger, whose habitat includes the Amur River basin, one of Asia’s most expansive basins. This river delineates the eastern boundary between Russia and China, and it is the dynamic interaction between these two empires and their Tiger’s Pot properties that constitutes the essence of Surat’s captivating new book, Tigers Between Empires: The journey to save the Siberian tiger from extinction.

Historically, more than 3,000 tigers roamed this vast area of northeast Asia. Facing numerous threats, the Soviet Union was pioneering in 1947 by being the first nation to enact legal protections for tigers. Though tiger populations initially rebounded, large carnivores uniquely reflect the dynamics of human politics. The collapse of the Soviet Union led to poverty in remote regions and a return to trapping for survival. By the close of the 20th century, tigers faced severe challenges on both sides of the border, as hunting, logging, and prey poaching decimated their numbers. Their existence was often equated with a sign of an underdeveloped civilization.

Amidst this landscape, New Englander Dale Mikel arrived to oversee the Siberian Tiger project. In 1992, he found himself in Russia’s Primorye region, bordering the Sea of Japan—a land filled with pristine forests and rich ecosystems. Mr. Surat, who has dedicated decades to this area, serves as a remarkable guide, offering detailed and emotive descriptions of this unique environment. As I read, I felt a surge of longing to experience it myself. There, cliffs adorned with Korean pines and oaks meet the sea, as tigers wander along the shores.

As a field biologist, Surat recognizes the resilience of those engaged in the project. Alongside dedicated Americans, many Russians willingly venture into the wilderness, often skiing for weeks while tracking tigers. The narrative interweaves human and tiger stories, drawing us into the lives of characters like the magnificent Olga, the courageous Severina, and the orphaned Zolushka. Changing perceptions can be just as vital as scientific endeavors. In a poignant moment, a farmer shares how he refrained from shooting Olga, inspired by the narrative he heard from Mikel, reflecting the possibility of coexistence when he viewed her as an individual.

In a climate of growing nationalism, this project and its accompanying book highlight the powerful outcomes that cross-border cooperation can yield. For three decades, Americans and Russians collaborated, motivated by a shared goal, achieving extraordinary results. At the time of its inception, little was known about the Amur tiger, yet their dedication and innovative approaches have rejuvenated chances for this majestic animal.

Years later, in 2022, Mikel departed from Russia after serving in the project for 30 years. Foreign-run NGOs are now unwelcome in the country. However, upon his departure, the protected Amur tiger habitat had expanded to six times its initial size, and the wild tiger population had reached 500—double the total from the mid-20th century. Stability is not guaranteed, and nothing can be taken for granted. Yet, such prospects offer a refreshing optimism for our current world.

Adam Weymouth is the author of lone wolf, shortlisted for the Baillie Gifford Award.