Representatives of the indigenous peoples of the Primorye Territory will help run the new specially protected area, located in the upper and middle reaches of the Bikin River, Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Sergei Ivanov told journalists after a meeting on fulfilling the President’s executive order on preserving the Amur tiger and leopard populations.

“A decision was taken to establish one more federal national park. The Udygei people who live there and lead their traditional lifestyle will take part in the park’s administration,” he said.

Sergei Ivanov said that he believes it makes sense to divide park administration to deal with the two species separately. “Governor Vladimir Miklushevsky supports the decision, so we only have to prepare all the documents,” he said. Mr Ivanov also lauded progress on tiger and leopard conservation in Russia, noting that their numbers have stabilised in recent years.

“There are many problems, but I am happy to announce that there have been good results as well. The situation is improving in the Primorye Territory, home to the largest habitat of Red Data Book animals, including tigers and leopards. Thanks to our efforts the situation has changed for the better in recent years,” he said. Mr Ivanov credits the progress to the specially protected natural areas established in the region, the significant increase in federal funding, and wage raises for inspectors, with some funds coming from the regional budget.

Tiger and leopard preservation efforts in Russia are strictly monitored by federal authorities. In addition, Russian President Vladimir Putin personally supervises the restoration of their populations.