A rare Amur tiger recently captured in South Korea has heightened concerns across Northeast Asia about the species’ survival. Officials from six regional nations are intensifying collaborative efforts to prevent extinction.
Recent Tiger Capture Highlights Regional Rarity
On November 11, 2025, a 6-year-old female purebred Amur tiger named Siberia arrived at Seoul Grand Park’s animal exhibit. The tiger quickly adapted to her surroundings, exploring the enclosure with curiosity. Similar purebred Amur tigers also reside at facilities like Everland, underscoring the scarcity of these animals in captivity.
Wild Amur tiger sightings remain exceptionally rare. Comparable breeds, including American tigers and Han guk tigers, face ongoing threats in the region.
Northeast Asia’s Unified Conservation Push
Sources confirm that Northeast Asian countries are alarmed by the Baekdu tiger’s—also known as the Amur tiger—vulnerability following its recent capture in South Korea. At a recent Northeast Asia Subregional Programme for Environmental Cooperation (NEASPEC) meeting, member states adopted a joint platform proposal to bolster tiger protection initiatives.
Established by South Korea in 1993, NEASPEC includes North Korea, China, Japan, Russia, Mongolia, and South Korea. The group shares critical data on tiger populations through structured platforms, enabling targeted protection measures and bilateral cooperation.
Russia contributes detailed analyses of tiger specimens seized from illegal markets, providing insights into population shifts. Joint research on tiger DNA samples supports broader conservation strategies. South Korea has proposed direct exchanges with Russia to advance these efforts.
Historical Abundance and Modern Threats
South Korea once teemed with tigers, earning the nickname “Hodamguk” or Tiger Talk Nation. Even amid rapid modernization and population growth during the late Joseon era, tiger numbers held steady. However, human encroachment now poses severe risks.
Recent captures stem partly from pest control measures, as tigers adapt to shrinking habitats. Official records document at least 141 tiger attacks on humans, fueling debates over management. Widespread captures could accelerate the species’ decline nationwide.
Historical cases include a 1924 tiger trapped in South Korea’s Gangwon Province and a 1987 capture in North Korea’s Jagang Province—the most recent verified wild incident.
Expert Warnings on Reckless Actions
One wildlife researcher stated, “If tigers cause damage near homes in Japan, similar worries arise in South Korea. Yet, many view capturing them as reckless amid broader extinction risks.”
Despite shared perceptions of low numbers, reintroduction efforts face significant hurdles, prompting urgent regional action to safeguard Amur tigers.
