Protected areas sustain Amur tiger populations in the Russian Far East’s multiple-use landscapes

Protected areas are a hallmark of conservation, yet their ability to support endangered species can be compromised by human use in adjacent lands. In the Russian Far East, a network of protected areas has been established to conserve biodiversity, including the endangered Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica). However, human disturbance in/around protected areas may jeopardize tiger populations. In this study, we surveyed 504 camera trap sites over 4 years (2018–19–2021–22) in an 8322 km2 multiple-use landscape in the Central Sikhote-Alin Mountains to estimate tiger density and survival in relation to human development and use, including previously undocumented forest roads. We estimated a stable, low population density of 0.27 tigers (95 % CI [0.18–0.31]) per 100 km2 in places further from main roads and in high-quality habitat. Female tigers captured predominantly in protected areas had higher survival (φ = 0.90 [0.60–0.98]) than those in multiple-use areas (φ = 0.51 [0.30–0.72]). The number of females detected with cubs was also twice as high in protected areas. Analyzing high-resolution satellite imagery, we traced 7828 km of roads. In places with intense logging traffic, the odds of detecting individual tigers more than one year decreased by 92 %. While protected areas ensured higher annual survival of female tigers, greater cub production, and a stable population, logging operations in multiple-use lands represented a key threat, probably by increasing chances of poaching. Overall, our study area remains far from tiger recovery goals, and we urge more investments in law enforcement, especially outside of protected areas.