Poachers that killed an Amur tiger will face time in a maximum-security prison and a fine of 726,500 roubles for environmental damage.

The female Amur tiger was killed in May 2012 in the taiga of the Primorye Territory’s Krasnoarmeisk District. One of the poachers was caught attempting to sell the tiger’s skin. On 26 February 2014, the magistrate court of Judicial District No. 73 of in the Krasnoarmeisk District convicted the poacher, a local resident.

Since 2013, poaching and illegal trafficking in endangered animals listed in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation have been punishable by fines totalling millions of roubles and prison terms from three to seven years. In addition, on 31 March 2013, higher fines for damage to valuable wildlife listed in the Red Data Book entered into force.

Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Rinat Gizatulin called the first application of anti-poaching statutes of the Criminal Code a huge success for all regulatory bodies and the environmental community. He added that the ministry is satisfied with the court’s decision and hopes that this will further reduce poaching in Russian regions.

“This case should receive wide publicity, as poachers should understand that the punishment will be tough and inevitable,” Gizatulin said.