Amur Tiger tracking Winter wildlife expedition

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1Arrival Vladivostok

DAY 2Lazovsky Nature Reserve

DAY 3Tiger tracking

DAY 4Tiger tracking

DAY 5Lazo

DAY 6Zov Tigra National Park

DAY 7Anti poaching patrol

DAY 8Zov Tigra National Park

DAY 9Ice fishing

DAY 10Lazo-Vladivostok

DAY 11Departure

• Climate
• Harsh
• Comfort
• Oeps
• Difficulty
• Easy
• Group
• International
• Physical
• Medium

Lazovsky Nature Reserve in the southeast of Primorye, about 250 km far from Vladivostok. Due to its peculiar relief and location, the reserve is home to 2,000 plant species of various geographical zones (e.g. taiga, tundra and even subtropical zone), 57 animal species and 319 birds. The reserve is famous for such rare animals as Amur tiger (also known as Siberian, Manchurian, Ussuri, North-Eastern Chinese tiger), goral and sika deer, as well as relict yew trees. The Lazovsky National Reserve and the surrounding unprotected area cover a key habitat for Amur tigers in the Russian Far East. Scientists are monitoring the survival of individual tigers who frequently leave the protection of the Reserve and wonder into the unprotected areas.

This nature reserve is the most important area for Amur tiger conservation in the southern Sikhote-Alin mountain range. For the last 20 years the reserve has maintained the highest tiger density in southern Primorye and one of the highest in the whole tiger habitat. Nowadays, there are about 10-12 resident or constantly visiting tigers. One to three litters are born to resident tigresses annually. High prey densities and efficient anti-poaching and fire- fighting activities of the reserve promote high density of endangered Amur tigers.

The Zov Tigra (“Tiger’s Call” or “Roar of the Tiger”) National Park was established in Primorsky krai, Russian Far East, in 2007 and officially registered in 2008. The 200,000-acre park protects the big cat’s habitat while simultaneously allowing for nature tourism.

We will join a team of Lazovsky Nature Reserve and spend a day in the field. And the second team will join an anti-poaching team of Zov Tigra National Park. We will use photo cameras (also known as camera traps) – cameras set off by motion detection – to count animals in the wild. Moreover, the stripe patterns captured by a camera helps scientists identify and track a specific tiger. Camera traps are placed along trails and in areas thought to be frequented by tigers and other wild animals. We can host no more than four people, we will have a bigger chance to observe animals.

Lazovsky district of Primorye has snow for almost 6 months in a year (from October to March). Of course, the weather varies each year and it can be more or less snow from year to year.

Guide

X-plore guide. Local interpreter.

Food

dinner with a Russian family; meals during stay with scientists, 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners; lunch in Zov Tigra National Park.

Accomodation

Hotel of Lazovsky Nature Reserve. Wooden lodge. Hotel in Vladivostok.