New tiger could boost endangered species breeding

Three-year-old Dao has arrived at Paignton Zoo

Keepers at a zoo in Devon hope a newly arrived tiger could father multiple litters to help conserve critically endangered species.

The three-year-old Sumatran tiger named Dao arrived at Paignton Zoo from Fota Wildlife Park in Ireland last month.

The zoo said there were fewer than 400 Sumartran tigers remaining in the wild and Dao's arrival marked "the beginning of an exciting conservation chapter."

Lisa Britton, the head of living collections at Paignton Zoo, said the tiger's young age meant there was "potential to welcome multiple generations of cubs over the coming years".

Conservation experts will identify a genetically compatible younger female tiger to join Dao at Paignton Zoo

The International Union for Conservation of Nature said Sumatran tigers were critically endangered, and have held the status for more than 20 years.

The zoo said the exchange with Ireland was part of the European breeding programme for endangered animals.

It said every pairing was "carefully planned to maximise genetic diversity".

Over the next six to 12 months, conservation experts would identify a genetically compatible younger female tiger to join him at Paignton.

"With habitat destruction and poaching continuing to threaten wild populations, visitors can see conservation in action and understand their role in supporting these vital efforts," Ms Britton said.