First, we should set up special ecological zones in border regions. Following the example of special economic zones, they can provide habitats for tigers on the borders of Yunnan province with Myanmar and Laos, and along the border between Heilongjiang province and Russia. We need the state to invest, pass tougher conservation laws, rebuild the ecological environment, protect biological corridors, create safe habitats, build up populations of the tiger's natural prey, reduce interference by man, and in this way attract the Bengal Tiger, the Indochinese Tiger and the North China tiger back into China to breed.

Second, we need to establish national parks in traditional habitats. Based on special ecological zones and nature reserves, we should build tiger parks Yunnan, Heilongjiang and the south of China. For example, we could establish a "Bengal Tiger National Park" in the Gaoligong national reserve area in Baoshan, Yunnan; an "Indochinese Tiger National Park" in Xishuangbanna , Yunnan; a "North China Tiger National Park" in east Heilongjiang; and a "South China Tiger National Park" in the southern part of China, so tigers can come from over the border, or be returned to the wild from captivity.

Third, we need to build up community co-management in and around habitats. When special ecological zones and national parks are built up, community co-management also should also be established immediately to protect the lives, property, livelihood and development of the local people. Community co-management will ensure tiger conservation directly benefits local people and will encourage them to play an active and positive role.

Fourth, we need to pass more severe laws and take effective measures to punish the trading of tiger organs. The penalties for drug trafficking should be the reference point to determine punishment of those who trade tiger organs. We also need to learn from overseas anti-drug programs on how to close down trade routes, develop alternative livelihood programs, and encourage cross-border police cooperation to stop the tiger trade at its source.

Fifth, we need to build up social consciousness of the need to protect wild tigers, based on Chinese traditional tiger culture and customs. We should encourage the positive side of traditional tiger culture, organize tiger festivals and other cultural activities associated with tigers, and establish the Tiger as a symbol of China on a par with the Giant Panda. But simultaneously we must abandon the negative aspects of traditional customs, like the use of tiger skin, or the use of tiger parts as food or medicine.

I am talking about tigers in the Year of the Tiger. It is one of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac. The Dragon was invented by our ancestors, and so is a creature that does not exist. I hope that in the future, our legacy will not be: "The tiger was exterminated by our ancestors, so it is also a creature that does not exist."

The author is a research fellow with Life Science and Environmental Sciences College of Minzu University of China.

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