Traces of the Bengal tiger, one of the most endangered animal species in the world, have been found in virgin forest in southwest China's Yunnan Province.

Chinese scientists have estimated the presence of from five to seven Bengal tigers in an investigative report.

The elusive tigers appear to be moving around the Nangun River Nature Reserve in the Va Autonomous County of Cangyuan in Yunnan Province.

According to a survey conducted by staff at the Nangun River Nature Reserve, the tigers have killed six buffaloes and 24 cows in 2001 and three buffaloes and 14 cows in 2000. The local government has paid compensation to the owners.

Local farmers have also seen footprints of Bengal tigers in theforest of the nature reserve.

Wei Xuexian, head of the Cangyuan County, attributed the apparent reappearance of Bengal tiger to the expansion of forestedareas as a result of abandoning the slash-and-burn farming method.

The population of Bengal tigers is decreasing rapidly in China following poaching and the shrinking of their habitation. It is on the verge of extinction.

( Xinhua News Agency January 24, 2002)