Russia will need $54 million within the next 12 years to protect the endangered Amur tiger, WWF Russia Director Igor Chestin said on Wednesday.

Some $10 million has already been raised, Chestin told journalists on the sidelines of the International Tiger Conservation Forum in St Petersburg.

"Within the next 12 years we will need another $44 million," Chestin said.

Delegates from 13 countries where tigers still live adopted a program to double tiger numbers by 2022.

The worldwide tiger population has declined from 100,000 to just over 3,000 over the past century.

More than $380 million will be earmarked toward saving the big cats from extinction, Chestin said.

"Over $200 million will be allocated by governments and organizations in grants, while a further $180 million will be received through subsidized loans," a presentation by Chestin said.

Germany will allocate $29.69 million, the United States $11.15 million, WWF $53.2 million, including $1 million donated by Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio and Wildlife Conservation Society will allocate $50 million, while another $50 million will be provided by the Global Environmental Facility.

The Global Bank will loan $120 million to the program, and the Asian Development Bank another $60 million.

The International Tiger Conservation Forum in St. Petersburg was held on November 21-24.

Chestin said the next summit may take place in December 2011 but did not specify the host country.

ST. PETERSBURG, November 24 (RIA Novosti)