WWF Uses Video Camera Traps to "Catch" Rare Tiger and Cubs
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has released video footage of a rare and endangered Sumatran tiger and her cubs. It's believed that there are fewer than 400 of the Sumatran tigers alive at present — their habitat is shrinking rapidly due to poaching and the encroachment of "global paper companies, palm oil plantations, encroachers, and illegal loggers," according to the WWF.
The WWF has been studying the tiger population for the past five years via a network of specially designed, infrared-triggered video cameras which are activated by the body heat of approaching animals. This is the first time that researchers have been able to document successful tiger breeding in this habitat. While the presence of the cubs is a welcome sign, more work must be done to secure the cooperation of corporations and governments to protect the habitats of endangered species such as this and guard against their extinction at the hands of humans.
The Sumatran tiger is the smallest of the tiger subspecies, with the males averaging 300 lbs. and the females 200 lbs. They commonly prey on wild boar, deer, and some smaller animals. These beautiful cubs are depending on the good will of humans to ensure that they have a fair chance at surviving to adulthood.
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