Zoologists have launched preparations for catching Amur tigers and equipping them with satellite collars. On May 3, Russia's environmental watchdog Rosprirodnadzor (Federal Service for Supervision of Natural Resources) issued permits to the zoologists to catch five tigers in the Ussuri Reserve and the Leopard Wildlife Sanctuary with a view to fitting them with satellite collars.

The zoologists captured a tigress by the name of “Princess” in the Ussuri Reserve on May 6. They weighed the tigress at 136 kilogrammes and collared her. Princess may be a daughter of Serga, the first tigress fitted with a satellite collar in 2008. A molecular genetic analysis will enable the zoologists to verify the possibility.

Satellite collars are designed to remain operational for a year or a year and a half.

After the transmitters expire, the collar automatically unfastens from the tiger’s neck. This is why it is important for zoologists to find the expired transmitters and receive as much information as possible from them. To continue monitoring the predators individually, the specialists have to provide them with new collars.

After collaring the five tigers, the expedition members will collect samples for non-invasive molecular, genetic and hormone analysis, evaluate the fodder conditions, and check old photo traps and install new ones.

Studies over the past year have shown that the habitat of the tigers may be almost twice larger than the reserve territory. Moreover, their habitat area depends on the season, snow cover and food supply.

Zoologists receive this vital information from exclusive photos made over the year.