More of the critically endangered Indochinese tiger species have been found in an eastern Thailand national park.
At least six cubs in a small group were found in the jungle.
Being triggered by motion sensors, conservationists used special camera traps to film the tigers. In fact, there were about 150 camera traps set up around the jungle.
Poaching and the loss of habitat have seriously impacted on the number of these rare tigers. Sadly, such activity has reduced the tiger population to below 250.
By having an increase in anti-poaching in Thailand, conservationists say this could be why the tigers were found.
“The extraordinary rebound of eastern Thailand’s tigers is nothing short of miraculous,” said John Goodrich, tiger programme director at wild cat conservation group Panthera.
The Indochinese tiger is found in different places including Vietnam, Thailand, China and Cambodia. Although smaller than the well-known Bengal tiger and Siberian breeds, they are known to grow up to 8-10 feet in length. Full grown males weigh up to 330 to 430 pounds and females are around 290 pounds. The tiger is very hard to find as they mostly live in high mountains.
Compared to other species of tiger, the Indochinese tiger has a more vibrant orange colouring. People sometimes confuse them with the Bengal tiger, so these differences help with identification.
Thailand was the first country in this region to realise that deforestation was having a serious impact on its tiger population and acted by controlling logging and establishing national parks. These steps have allowed their tiny tiger population to recover in some areas, although they have disappeared in others.
The discovery of the six cubs is cause for celebration but there is much more to be done.
Grace, Year 6
YJA Correspondent at Burgh School
