1. Poaching: Siberian tigers are hunted for their fur, bones, and other body parts, which are used in traditional medicine and as luxury items. Poaching is a significant threat to the survival of the species, and it is estimated that up to 100 Siberian tigers are killed illegally each year.
2. Habitat loss and fragmentation: The natural habitats of Siberian tigers are being rapidly destroyed and fragmented due to human activities such as logging, mining, and agriculture. As a result, tigers are losing their territories and are forced to live in smaller, isolated areas, which makes them more vulnerable to poaching and other threats.
3. Climate change: Climate change is causing the loss and degradation of tiger habitats, particularly in the northern parts of their range. As the climate warms, the taiga forests are being replaced by grasslands and other ecosystems that are less suitable for tigers.
4. Inbreeding: The small and fragmented populations of Siberian tigers are at risk of inbreeding, which can lead to genetic problems and reduced reproductive success. Inbreeding can also make tigers more susceptible to diseases and other threats.
5. Human-tiger conflict: As human populations expand and encroach on tiger habitats, conflicts between humans and tigers have increased. Tigers may attack livestock and humans in self-defense or when their territories are threatened, leading to retaliatory killings by humans.