For the first time on record, camera traps in China have captured footage of a wild Amur tigress caring for five cubs, a sighting that conservationists describe as a major milestone in efforts to restore the species’ fragile wild population. The footage was recorded in November 2025 inside the Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park, the world’s largest protected area for tigers, located in Hunchun, Jilin province.

The images, released by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) China, show the adult tigress closely accompanying and nurturing her cubs as they move through dense forest habitat. Analysis of the animal’s physical features and gait suggests the tigress is approximately nine years old, while the cubs are estimated to be between six and eight months of age.

Litters of five are considered extremely rare among wild Amur tigers, which typically give birth to one to four cubs even in areas with abundant prey. The survival of all five cubs to this age is particularly notable, as early cub mortality is common due to harsh environmental conditions, food scarcity, and human-related threats. Conservation experts say the sighting offers strong evidence that prey availability and habitat quality in the region have improved significantly.

In addition to this unprecedented recording, park rangers also documented another Amur tigress in the same area accompanied by four cubs of a similar age range. These consecutive observations of multiple breeding females suggest a broader trend of population recovery rather than an isolated event.

Amur tigers, also known as Siberian tigers, are apex predators whose survival depends heavily on intact forest ecosystems and stable prey populations. As a result, their presence and reproductive success are widely regarded as indicators of overall ecosystem health. The repeated sightings of tiger families in Hunchun highlight the effectiveness of long-term conservation strategies implemented across the landscape.

The Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park has been the focus of intensive conservation efforts over the past decade. These include large-scale habitat protection, expanded ecological corridors, strengthened patrols, anti-poaching operations, and measures to reduce human–wildlife conflict in surrounding communities. Together, these actions have contributed to the gradual recovery of biodiversity across the region.

Once on the brink of local extinction, the Amur tiger population in China has shown steady growth. In 1998, surveys suggested that only 12 to 16 wild individuals remained in the country. Today, conservation authorities estimate that around 70 wild Amur tigers now live within the national park, marking a significant turnaround for one of the world’s most endangered big cats.

The park spans forested landscapes that extend to the border with Russia, supporting cross-border movement of tigers and other wildlife. This transboundary connectivity is considered critical for maintaining genetic diversity and long-term population stability.

Conservationists caution, however, that challenges remain. Continued habitat fragmentation, climate pressures, and the risk of conflict with humans still pose threats to the species. Sustained investment in protection, community engagement, and science-based management will be essential to secure the gains achieved so far.

Nevertheless, the rare footage of a tigress successfully raising five cubs has become a powerful symbol of hope. It demonstrates that with consistent protection and coordinated conservation action, even the most endangered species can begin to reclaim their place in the wild.