Orlinoe model hunting estate, 21 November

The journey of the day began with a two hour ride on the bus from Sedanka hotel to the Orlinoe model hunting estate. They built this hunting estate in 2005 mainly for research purposes. I love the idea of managed hunting. Not only this hunting estate can conserve their cool tradition of hunting, helps to stabilise the number of predators and preys, it also allows scientists to create a more conducive environment for the inhabitants. The following is what the hunting estate staff explained to us during our visit.


During winter time, the snow layer in Far East Russia can be as thick as 50cm. This creates great difficulty for the ungulates to search for food. The scientists apply biotechnology to help them survive during the harsh winter. There are 50 feeding stations distributed more or less evenly in the total area of 100,000 ha. At each feeding station, there are two feeding places for the animals (one for grains and another for minerals and medicine), one outlook tower and one wet mineral soil area. The location of the feeder is chosen near the migration routes that the animals usually use.

They cover the grains and processed meat with hay to keep the birds from eating the food. We found a small mouse there searching for grain. Because the boar loves to dig when it eats, the feeders are made so that it can sway from left to right, otherwise the boar would have break and attack them all. Calcium phosphate, soda, medicine and protein tubs are placed at another feeder as a supplement for the animals.

By constantly feeding them like this during the winter time, the scientists observed the change in migrating pattern of the inhabitants. The animals slowly learn that they can come to the feeder for food during the winter. Always the stronger and larger animal will get to eat at the feeder first, followed by the weaker ones and the last to eat are the weakest animals. To increase the survival rate for all, the scientists designed a feeder which only small size animals can go in. It is interesting to see that there are some large animal who try to squeeze itself into such a small hole.

Camera traps are placed near the feeding areas for the scientists to study the animals’ movement. The outlook tower is also used for the ranger to have a good view of the surrounding areas and for capturing the photo of animals that come to eat at the feeders.

Here are the rules for playing the game there: the hunters need to pay a fee to get a permit before hunting any animal living in the estate. If they admit that they hunt over the quota limit, they will need to pay a fine. During each hunt, there must be a ranger supervising them. The ranger will contact the hunters the good time for hunting and is responsible for bringing them to the area where the potential animals are. The hunters can only shoot certain types of animal only. For example, shooting of a female Asian bears is prohibited. The hunters can bring their trophy home.

Kedrovaya Pad state nature reserve, 20 November

We were at WWF visitors’ centre called the Land of the Leopard (Varabash village). After listening to a brief introduction of this state nature reserve made by our WWF-Russia Programme Coordinator, a kind staff of the reserve led us to climb up the hill on the snow. Those walking in front paved a more stable path for those who were following. Together with an interpreter, he showed us many important plants that were put on the ‘Red book.’ These plants are highly valuable and need to be conserved because they provide a favourable condition for animals to live comfortably. For example, the Korean pine tree produces nuts which various kind of animals like to eat and store. Moreover, the pine tree must be at least 70 or 80 years old to start producing such nutritious nuts. Some plants are very useful in pharmacology and production of goods (e.g. wine cork, furniture...).

It was the first time that I saw a real camera trap. At a point, they placed two camera traps facing different directions and at 1m above the ground. This is to enhance the identification of any animal whose picture is taken. By using a chemical solution which mimics an animal scent, they attract the curious animals to explore the camera.

In addition, they explained how forest surveyors worked together to collect data for analysis. Each surveyor will take one path and examine the entire reserve on the same day. Usually this is done during winter time. They look for animals’ track on the snow, measure the size of the foot print, and jot down the location where they were found. After their journey, they would compile and analyse all the data (the area survey and the pictures from the camera trap) to get the whole picture of the animals’ movement in the reserve. From this, they can estimate the number of each species present in the reserve.

[A group photo: the WWF-Russia staff members, WWF-YTS organiser, 
WWF staff members,  Delegates from Indonesia, Russia, Nepal, China, 
Bangladesh, Cambodia, China and Laos]

The temperature showed a positive figure. We were lucky that there was neither snow storm, nor heavy rain fall on that day. To our Russian fellows, the temperature was just right or rather comfortable for them. As for us, the snow was melting even faster under our warm feet, so we could feel the cold air diffusing through our shoes and our socks because we were not wearing the furry boots. The coldness made me sneeze for a few times. Fortunately, I have not caught any cold.

Overall, it was a memorable experience for me who comes from a hot country to walk on the snow in the forest. The air was so fresh and the sunshine was just right which made me feel like living there. The people who live there are mostly the forest rangers who are brave and strong. They are the heroes who risk their life each time they do their field work. And there are female forest rangers too.

The Gala opening, 19 November

The Gala opening which marked the official opening of the International Tiger Youth Forum was held at the underground hall in Vladivostok State University of Economy and Service. We listened to insightful speeches made by 4 important officials there. Then, we went to Sportivnaya Gavan embankment for the ceremonial opening of the “Tiger Trail”. After lunch, we had an introductory lecture about tiger conservation, presentations of tiger situation in each tiger range countries and the UK.

It is very interesting to learn that the threats affecting wild tigers in many countries are rather common such as poaching of tigers and their prey species, fragmentation and loss of habitat and illegal trading of wildlife products. Many delegates have raised an important key to double our wild tiger population by 2022 which is to strengthen trans-boundary and international cooperation.  This is mainly because the tigers do not recognized political boundary and they are more likely to become extinct when one country can implement effective conservation whereas another does little to prevent poaching.

The delegates from the UK spoke about how countries without any wild tiger can also help to save our magnificent wild tigers by   increasing public awareness and through donation. After all, saving wild tiger is a way to save our natural environment, our heritage and our planet.

To view the video of our first day of the forum, please click here.

Vladivostok tour, 18 November

Vladivostok, “rules the East”, a hilly state similar to San Francisco, opened up again in the late 1980s and will be the host of the 24^th APEC Summit in 2012. There are constructions and renovations in many areas. It is indeed a fast developing state. The two main economic activities are fishing and trading. They have many Japanese made cars just like in Laos. The majority of the Russian population are Christian and hence there are many churches here, unlike in Laos where there are many temples.

I find Russian language very interesting but very difficult to learn. You can learn some useful phrases from here.

After dinner, we had an ice-breaker session to get to know each other better.

My first cold, cold day in Russia, 16 November

It was a sunny and windy day when I safely landed in Vladivostok at 2pm (local time) on the eastern part of the world largest country, Russia. At -3°C, it was not as cold as I thought it would be because this cold breeze was simply refreshing.

The delegates from Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam whom we met at Incheon Iinternational airport were also embraced by this unique greeting of the Vladivostok wind.

After that, Olga led us to the Money exchange counter where they bought 1USD for 29.00 Rubles and sold 1USD for 31.40 Rubles.

Then she brought us to a warm bus which later arrived at Sedanka hotel at about 4pm. I savoured my first Russian dinner. The hotel rooms were well-furnished and cozy. Though it was only my first day, I have already been homesick. Fortunately, the heaters and the people made the hotel atmosphere comforting. So on this first cold, cold day in Russia, I began to like this hotel.

[Background: Sedanka hotel. From left: Me, Ann, Onny, Rini]