Wild Siberian tiger population in China rises to 72

(ECNS) -- The population of wild Siberian tigers has grown from 27 in 2017 to 72, according to official data released Tuesday.

The latest count was announced Tuesday by Liu Guohong, secretary of the leading Party members group of the Ministry of Natural Resources and national chief inspector of natural resources, at a State Council Information Office press conference in Beijing.

Siberian tigers in China mainly live in the Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park. 

Located at the junction of Jilin and Heilongjiang provinces, the park serves as a stable habitat for Amur leopards and Siberian tigers, while Hunchun lies in the core area of the park.

The population of Hainan gibbons has also increased to 44, as flagship species continue to recover across China’s national parks. 

(By Helen Mo, intern Yang Hongran)