| Date | May 2021 | Marks available | 3 | Reference code | 21M.1.SL.TZ0.8 |
| Level | Standard Level | Paper | Paper 1 | Time zone | Time zone 0 |
| Command term | Evaluate | Question number | 8 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Figure 8(a): Fact file on Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica)
- Historically found in North and South Korea, Eastern China and Siberia but now mainly live within the Sikhote-Alin mountain range in Primorsky Krai and Khabarovsk Krai of Siberia.
- Female tigers reach sexual maturity after 4–5 years and give birth to 2–6 cubs once every two years.
- Reduction in tiger population has occurred due to:
- loss of habitat as a result of logging and mining activity.
- poaching for fur and tiger parts used in traditional Chinese medicines (up to US$50000 may be paid for a tiger).
- loss of prey.
- Local communities have supported anti-poaching and environmental education campaigns.
- In 1940s it was estimated that there were fewer than 50 individuals remaining in the wild and by 2010 this number had increased to about 500. During this period, the following conservation measures were introduced:
Figure 8(d): Siberian tiger population in Russia
Figure 8(e): Causes of tiger mortality in and near Sikhote-Alin Biosphere Reserve, 1992–2005
[Source: Russia Program, Wildlife Conservation Society.]
Conservation measures for the Siberian tiger between 1940–2010 involved tagging, setting up reserves, and bans on hunting and trade.
With reference to Figures 8(a), 8(d) and 8(e), evaluate the relative success of these measures.
Markscheme
the ban on hunting was followed by a small/triple increase in tiger population;
…but Figure 8(e) shows poaching continued well beyond this / was still recorded until 2005;
the ban on trade/CITES convention was followed by very significant increase in tiger population;
use of tagging and reserves showed little further increase in tiger population;
but population was already increased before reserves were introduced / reserves may have helped maintain higher populations;
the rate of increase has slowed, suggesting tigers have reached a carrying capacity;
Note: Must include strength, weakness and conclusion for [3] marks. Award [2 max] if no conclusion provided.
Examiners report
Although most candidates achieved some marks for this question, few achieved all 3 marks. Many did not recognise the requirements of the command term 'evaluate' and that a strength, a weakness, and overall appraisal was necessary to achieve full marks. Few candidates evaluated the different measures by comparing their relative success.
