Counting is done by researchers and staff of environmental agencies and game reserves

Sergei Aramilev logs information in a cabin

The average length of a counter’s route is 10 km, and can reach 14 km

Sergei Aramilev measures tiger tracks

Recording snow tracks is the traditional method of counting tigers

During long walks across the taiga, the counters stop to warm up by bonfires

A counter checks his GPS

Counters keep their warm jackets in backpacks instead of wearing them right away. They don’t get cold as long as they are moving

As they walk, the counters observe everything around them, such as markings on trees

Recording each paw print may take 15-40 minutes

Counters often use skis to make their rounds

Or a snowmobile

If a counter leaves for a few days, he spends the night in small cabins

These cabins are essentially log shacks, sometimes with small windows

A cabin normally has a table, a bed and a stove

A cup of hot tea is always welcome in the wilderness

Counters use logs to record measurements of tiger tracks, GPS coordinates, landscape features and other observations that may be useful in the future

Each counter’s kit includes a ruler or tape measure, a pencil, a spare pencil, a log to record data, paper, a satellite navigator with extra batteries and a camera

Once the counter completes his route, he checks the log for mistakes

The snow cover in the Primorye Territory regularly reaches 70 cm

Counters walk dozens of kilometres through the taiga in search of tiger tracks

And sometimes find them!