The extinct Persian tiger may be revived in Central Asia.

An area of ​​approximately 7,000 square kilometers in Kazakhstan could become a habitat for nearly 100 Persian tigers within the next 50 years.

Persian tigers, which became extinct in the 1960s, may reappear in Central Asia. Photo: WWF/Helmut Diller.

Scientists have just announced plans to bring Persian tigers back to Central Asia, Mirror reports.

The Persian tiger, also known as the Caspian tiger, once lived in an area stretching from Türkiye to China. Measuring approximately three meters in length and weighing over 136 kg, it was one of the largest tiger species ever to exist on Earth. The Persian tiger became extinct in the 1960s due to habitat destruction and human hunting.

In a study recently published in the journal Biological Conservation, scientists revealed plans to revive Persian tigers from their close relatives, the Siberian tiger.

Accordingly, an area of ​​approximately 7,000 square kilometers, located between the Lli River plain and Lake Balkhash in Kazakhstan, will become the habitat for this tiger species.

"The first thing we have to do is stop the erosion in the riverside area. Next, it may take 5-15 years to restore the wild hoofed animal population, the main prey of the Persian tiger, in the area. In addition, the safety and socio-economic well-being of the local people also need to be addressed to build a sustainable future for both humans and tigers," said Mikhail Paltssyn, a doctoral candidate.

The research team anticipates that within the next 50 years, this location could become a habitat for nearly 100 Persian tigers.

According to VNE