from wiki:
The South China Tiger is not only the most ancient tiger in the world from which others tiger subspecies are derived, it has been a cultural symbol of China for eight thousand years in recorded history. As King of Beasts, King of the Forests, King of the Mountains it has been featured in Chinese literature, art, etc. and everyday life for millennia and its role in biodiversity and ecology was well understood by the Chinese from long time ago. To save this King of Beasts, is to save China’s culture, spirit and habitat.