Extinct Persian Tiger Could Be Resurrected in Central Asia

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

The Caspian tiger, extinct since the 1960s, could be making a comeback in Central Asia. Photo: WWF/Helmut Diller.

Scientists have just announced a plan to reintroduce the Persian tiger in Central Asia, Mirror reported.

The Caspian tiger, also known as the Persian tiger, once lived in an area stretching from Türkiye to China. It was about three metres long and weighed more than 136 kg, making it one of the largest tigers ever to have lived on Earth. The Persian tiger became extinct in the 1960s due to habitat destruction and human hunting.

In a recent study published in the journal Biological Conservation, scientists revealed plans to revive the Persian tiger from its close relative, the Siberian tiger.

Accordingly, the area of ​​about 7,000 km2, located between the Lli River Delta and Lake Balkhash, Kazakhstan, will become the habitat of this tiger species.

“The first thing we have to do is stop the erosion of the riverbanks. Then, it could take 5-15 years to restore the wild ungulate population, the main prey of the Caspian tiger, in the area. In addition, the safety and economic and social benefits of local people need to be addressed to build a sustainable future for both humans and tigers,” said Mikhail Paltssyn, a PhD student.

The research team predicts that in the next 50 years, this site could become a habitat for nearly 100 Persian tigers.

According to VNE