Founding Director of China Tiger Revival
I am grateful to our ancestors for leaving us the Chinese tiger—the spirit of nature and the wellspring of culture. I pray, thanks to the united efforts of people worldwide, that the roar of the Chinese tiger will be heard echoing in the wilderness for generations to come.
We're Good At
Multiple Conservation Projects
China Tiger Revival leads a diverse range of conservation and education projects to restore the South China Tiger and protect other endangered wildcats. Our efforts include awareness campaigns, hands-on habitat restoration, local community engagement, expert training, and international collaboration. Every project is aimed at building a sustainable future for wildlife and people together.
Through the dedication of volunteers, partners, and supporters, our work spans education, scientific outreach, and the ongoing fight to restore vital natural habitats across China. We measure our success not just in numbers, but in every new voice, restored acre, and wild tiger life secured for future generations.
Appeal Patrons
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Lord Tim Clement-Jones
Baron Clement-Jones CBE, Liberal Democrat Peer and spokesman for the Digital Economy in the House of Lords. Former London Office Managing Partner of DLA Piper (2011-2016). Deputy chairman of All-Party Parliamentary Groups on China, Turkey, and the UAE.
Nick Rhodes
Founder member and keyboard player in the legendary music group Duran Duran. Supporter of animal conservation, sometimes featuring animals in his songs. Received an Honorary Doctorate of Arts from University of Bedfordshire (2011).
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Chen Kaige
A fifth generation Chinese film director known for films like “Farewell My Concubine” and “Forever Enthralled.”
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Jiang Wen
Actor, screenwriter, and director known for films such as “Devils on the Doorstep” and “Red Sorghum.”
View IMDb ProfileFormer Appeal Patrons
The late Sir David Tang (RIP 2017)
Founder of the Hong Kong fashion group Shanghai Tang, owner of China Club and China Tang Restaurant. Awarded Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) in 2008. A huge supporter of Li Quan’s work in rewilding and saving the South China Tiger.
Scientific Advisors
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Dr. Carlos Driscoll
Dr. Driscoll, D.Phil., holds the WWF Chair in Conservation Genetics at the Wildlife Institute of India and is an IRTA Fellow in Comparative Behavioral Genomics at NIH. He researches organismal evolution, biogeography, and phylogenetics related to conservation. His focus includes genetic bases of domestication behaviors and adaptation.
Education: B.S. Biology (UMBC), M.S. Biomedical Science (Hood College), D.Phil. Zoology (University of Oxford).
Vance Martin
President of The WILD Foundation since 1983. Experienced leader in international nature conservation with roles in over 60 countries. He chairs the IUCN Wilderness Specialist Group and has authored numerous conservation publications.
His organization connects people and communities to nature to promote ecosystem health.
Dr. Steve O’Brien
American geneticist known as the “Godfather of Conservation Genetics.” Former chief at the Laboratory of Genomic Diversity, National Cancer Institute, USA. Noted for contributions in mammalian virus evolution and the genetic bottleneck of cheetahs.
Dr. Jim Sanderson
Ph.D University of New Mexico, 1976. Member of the IUCN Cat Specialist Group and founder of the Small Wild Cat Conservation Foundation. Conducted pioneering studies on small cats globally and contributed over 120 peer-reviewed publications. His work includes radio-telemetry and camera trapping in Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
Learn more: smallcats.org
Dr. David Smith
Professor in Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology. Over 35 years in tiger conservation across South and Southeast Asia, focusing on ecology, behavior, and metapopulation structure. His research uses remote sensing and conservation databases to influence human land use outside protected areas.
Dr. Carl Traeholt
PhD in Behavioural and Population Ecology from Copenhagen University. Extensive experience in wildlife research, biodiversity conservation, and organizational capacity building, primarily in Asia and Africa. Senior Research Officer at Copenhagen Zoo’s conservation division and a mentor of many graduate students.
Previous Scientific Advisors
The late Dr. Peter Crawshaw (RIP 2021)
A conservation biologist with 35 years at the Brazilian government, founder of the National Research Center for the Conservation of Mammalian Carnivores (CENAP/ICMBIO). Renowned for jaguar conservation work and mentoring many conservationists. Author of the book chapter "Fencing for Conservation."
He was a strong supporter of Li Quan's work with the South China Tiger and is fondly remembered by the organization.
“Three Tiger” Endeavour
We summarize our efforts as the Three Tigers: The Spiritual Tiger, Cultural Tiger, and Ecological Tiger.
The Chinese Tiger, aka the South China Tiger, is the direct descendent of the world's oldest tiger, which originated in China 2 million years ago. There were only 60 left in captivity and less than 30 in the wild when Ms. Li Quan began her initial work in 1999. This tiger is among the ten most endangered animals on the IUCN Red List, carrying profound spiritual, cultural, and ecological meaning for China.
The Spiritual Tiger
Throughout Chinese history, the tiger has incited awe and admiration—embodying power, harmony, beauty, and the drive for progress. No other animal inspires greater fascination.
The Cultural Tiger
For 8000 years, the tiger has been a Chinese cultural icon, appearing in stories, arts, poetry, and daily life: the Year of the Tiger, tiger shoes & hats, the Tiger seal, and more.
The Ecological Tiger
As King of Beasts, the tiger sits atop China’s ecological chain. Protecting tigers means restoring entire ecosystems and safeguarding humanity’s dependence on nature.
Through conserving the South China Tiger and other flagship species, we work to restore habitats, promote Chinese culture, and foster global understanding. We encourage China’s commitment to safeguarding ecosystems and demonstrate that this nation can lead in both conservation and modernization. The world is invited to join, support, and amplify these vital efforts to save this crucial, endangered species.
China Tiger Revival Team
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