At the end of October, the annual Tiger Advisory Group (TAG) 2025 meeting took place in the Chinese city of Hunchun, focusing on the future of tiger conservation, DKNews.kz reports.
From October 27 to 29, representatives of tiger-range countries, scientists, WWF international conservation offices, and partners gathered to exchange experience, review the year’s results, and outline the next steps for preserving and restoring tiger populations.
One of the central highlights of the event was the presentation by WWF Central Asia, which showcased the progress of Kazakhstan’s tiger reintroduction program. The Central Asian office of WWF reported on the first year of the project since the arrival and adaptation of the first two Amur tigers - Bogdana and Kuma - who were brought from the Netherlands in the fall of 2024 to the Ili-Balkhash State Nature Reserve.
During the presentation, WWF Central Asia highlighted key results achieved over the past year: the successful acclimatization of the tiger pair, their adaptation to the new environment, the strengthening of the reserve’s prey base, community engagement, and the development of partnerships and international cooperation.
“Representatives of tiger-range countries are following the unique program of our neighbors with great interest. In the future, this may become not only an environmental project, but Kazakhstan’s contribution to the global natural heritage of humanity,” - said WWF China representatives.
In its speech at TAG, WWF Central Asia emphasized that Kazakhstan is not only restoring a symbolic part of its natural history but also setting an example for the world. A year ago, in 2024, the first two Amur tigers arrived in Kazakhstan. They currently live in a specially constructed WWF enclosure complex within the Ili-Balkhash Reserve. Their potential offspring are expected to be released into the wild - a historic milestone in restoring wild cat populations.
This initiative is implemented by the Committee of Forestry and Wildlife of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, with the support of WWF and UNDP.
Other countries are also exploring the possibility of returning tigers to their historical habitats. Similar efforts are underway in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, where projects focus on restoring ecosystems, creating suitable environments, and ensuring a sustainable future for large predators. Thus, tiger reintroduction is becoming a global trend that unites tiger-range nations in restoring a species that plays a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance.
“It is a great honor for us to take part in such an important international event that brings together the efforts of all tiger-range countries. This is a unique opportunity to present our program and share our results. Meetings like TAG are vital for global tiger conservation - they help us exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and enhance collective efforts to protect this magnificent species,” - said Ekaterina Nakashidze, Director of WWF Central Asia.
The next Tiger Advisory Group (TAG) meeting may be held in Kazakhstan, which would provide an excellent opportunity to showcase the country’s progress in tiger reintroduction. Hosting the event would allow international experts to witness firsthand the achievements in the Ili-Balkhash Reserve and mark an important step toward strengthening international cooperation in conserving endangered species and restoring predator populations.
