Photographic evidence of the rare Indochinese tiger breeding in the wild has surfaced, fueling hopes that the species will survive.
These tigers once roamed and thrived across many parts of Asia. Humans, however, have been the greatest threat to the survival of Indochinese tigers. People have been poaching these tigers for the illegal wildlife trade, as well as for traditional medicines. Though China has declared the trade of tigers to be illegal, poachers are still earning a lot of money from selling tiger parts on the black market. The tigers have also been losing much of their habitat to development projects and illegal logging.
The Indochinese tiger population is dwindling fast. The total population may now stand at less than 300 in the wild. Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation claims that there are about 221 Indochinese tigers remaining in Thailand and Myanmar. However, the tigers may be extinct in China, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
Recently, camera traps captured a breeding Indochinese tiger population in a jungle in eastern Thailand. There was only one other known breeding group in a Thai national park, but now, there may be two. The newer breeding group has at least six cubs, which is a good sign for the recovery of the population.
This discovery has rekindled hopes that Indochinese tigers may pull away from the brink of extinction. If they can breed and produce healthy cubs in the wild without human intervention, there may be hope for the species yet. Conservationists say that this new development is due in part to stronger anti-poaching efforts in Thailand.
Thailand has unexpectedly become the last stronghold of the Indochinese tiger. Because of the country's conservation and anti-poaching efforts, Indochinese tigers may now have a better chance to recover their numbers. However, national park authorities in Thailand encourage vigilance and the continuation of conservation efforts. Poaching, after all, is still very much a serious threat.
Thailand is showing the world that even endangered species can be brought back with the help of effective conservation and protection strategies. Jungles in Thailand may be the place where Indochinese tiger populations make their comeback.
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