Panda experts are preparing for gene studies on Chinese tigers, or south China tigers as they are called locally, in a bid to better protect the endangered species, according to sources with a recent meeting held in this capital of southwestern Sichuan Province.

As the largest gene research project on Chinese tigers, the project will focus on the genetic diversity of Chinese tigers and help to reduce in breeding, which is widely regarded as the cause of the gene loss and deterioration of the species, according to YuJianqiu, deputy director of Chengdu Giant Panda Reproduction Base on Wednesday.

In recent years, Chinese tigers kept in captivity have suffered weight loss, deteriorating reproduction capability and abnormal mating activities. About 30 percent of Chinese tiger cubs died.

So far, no systematic gene studies have been conducted on Chinese tigers and the genetics of the huge animal remains a mystery, said Yu, whose work successfully decoded the genetics of Giant Pandas in 2001.

According to Yu, experts from his institution and other research agencies worldwide will team up to conduct the project.

Preparations started three years ago and the project is now "ready to start," said Yu.

Upon completion of the project, the China Zoo Association will work in cooperation with international conservation organizations to formulate genetic administration project of Chinese tigers and pave the way for the healthy existence of Chinese tigers.

The Chinese Tiger, or panthera tigris amoyensis, has long been one of the most endangered tiger species and one of the 10 most endangered species in the world. No live Chinese tigers have been found in China in the past 40 years.

At present, fewer than 30 Chinese Tigers remain in the wild and about 60 are kept in zoos.

(Xinhua News Agency November 5, 2003)