The results of a recent survey show that number of south China tigers living in the wild is now less than 30.

The conclusion was based on scientific analysis made by a joint survey team consisting of scientists from the State Forestry Administration of China and the World Nature Fund. It was released at a national symposium on South China Tiger held in Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province.

Many of the tigers in the wild are scattered throughout Mount Luoxiao and Mount Leigong, located on the borders of Jiangxi, Hunan and Guangdong provinces in south China.

In addition, China has 66 South China Tigers raised in 19 zoos. The 38 males and 28 females are all offspring of six wild tigers seized in 1956.

South China tiger, also known as the Chinese Tiger, is an endangered animal native to southern China. The tiger used to roam around mountain forests in south, east, central and southwest China. Due to war, hunting and environmental deterioration over the past century, the species is on the verge of extinction.

The species has been listed as one of the world's ten most endangered animal species. International experts predict tigers will disappear by 2010 if they are not well and meticulously protected.

To prevent the species from extinction, China will send five to 10 Chinese tigers to South Africa for wilderness survival training. These Chinese tigers and their offspring will be sent back to China in 2008, coinciding with the Olympics Games in Beijing.

(Xinhua News Agency November 20, 2004)