On July 29, 2025, the 15th International Tiger Day, the “Human-Tiger Conflict Mitigation Plan: Guidelines for Human Behavior in Tiger Encounters” (hereafter referred to as the “Plan”) was officially released by the Sino-Russian Joint Laboratory for the Conservation and Restoration of the Amur Tiger, jointly established with NEFU. The Plan provides a scientific framework to address conflicts arising from the recovery and territorial expansion of the Amur tiger population in China, to promote the harmonious coexistence between humans and tigers.

Established in 2024, the laboratory is a collaborative initiative between NEFU’s China State Forestry Administration Feline Research Center and the Institute of Ecology and Evolution A.N. Levertov of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The laboratory brings together top-tier experts from both China and Russia in the fields of population ecology, behavioral ecology, genetics, and conflict risk mitigation technologies related to both tigers and leopards.

The release of the Plan represents a significant collaborative achievement between Chinese and Russian scientists in the fields of tiger behavioral ecology and conflict management. Drawing on the latest research findings and developments in human-tiger conflict prevention and management, particularly those from Russia and the international community, the Plan is guided by the core principle of the harmonious coexistence of humans and tigers. It stresses that the key to resolving conflict lies not in eliminating contact, but in promoting proactive adaptation at all levels, from national authorities to local communities, so that humans and wildlife can sustainably share landscapes and resources. Taking into account the realities of Northeast China, the Plan provides a comprehensive strategy across four key areas: early warning, prevention, response, and compensation.

This Sino-Russian scientific collaboration on addressing human-tiger conflict aligns with China’s national strategy to safeguard ecological security and promote harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. Through joint research and technological innovation, the initiative not only addresses pressing theoretical and technical challenges in Amur tiger conservation but also offers a replicable model for the protection and management of large wildlife species worldwide. The release of the Plan is expected to enhance the effectiveness of Amur tiger conservation efforts in China and contribute to safeguarding the safety and well-being of residents across the 40,000-square-kilometer distribution range of the species.

The full text of the Plan is provided as an appendix to this news release. Stakeholders from all sectors are encouraged to consult, apply, and offer suggestions for improvement. Looking ahead, the Sino-Russian Joint Laboratory for the Conservation and Restoration of the Amur Tiger will continue to track the implementation of the Plan and refine its content, contributing sustained support to the vision of achieving a harmonious coexistence between humans and tigers in China.