Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park
On 12 October 2021, the announcement of the Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park marked its designation as one of China’s inaugural national parks. Encompassing a planned area of 14,065 square km and boasting a forest coverage rate of 97.74 percent, this park, situated in Jilin and Heilongjiang provinces, serves as the historical and core habitat for Siberian tigers and Amur leopards in China. It stands as the sole region with permanent wild populations and breeding families of these species and harbours the most comprehensive and representative wildlife population within the northeastern temperate forest.
Adjacent to Russia and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, it holds the distinction of being China’s only national park in close proximity to foreign countries, serving as a model for cross-border wildlife conservation. The expansive terrain comprises diverse forest types, notably the temperate broadleaf and mixed forest, playing a pivotal role in the food chain. Moreover, the park is a sanctuary for a rich variety of plant species native to temperate forests, including some that are rare and under state protection.
The vast forests create an ideal breeding and survival environment for birds, attracting various species that migrate north each spring to lay eggs. The fertile soil further fosters a conducive habitat for reptiles.
Beyond the Siberian tigers and Amur leopards, the interplay among all the park’s animals contributes to the intricate relationships crucial for maintaining the balance of this unique ecosystem.