This video requires the latest version of Flash Player. Click here to download. This video requires the latest version of Flash Player. Click here to download.Published January 11, 2010
January 8, 2010—A tiger and two cubs captured by a camera trap on the Indonesian island of Sumatra are the first recorded evidence that the imperiled big cats are breeding in the region, conservationists say.
RELATED
PICTURES: Tigers Butchered for Trade at "Zoos" in China?
Tiger Pictures
© 2010 National Geographic; Video courtesy WWF
Unedited Transcript
Rare close-up video of a Sumatran tiger and two cubs was captured recently in a camera trap in the jungle of Indonesia’s Sumatra Island.
WWF set up the cameras to help monitor the population of the tigers in their primary breeding grounds, which the WWF says is under threat from poaching and deforestation.
The tigers approached the camera, sniffed it, and then walked away. The noise you hear is one of the tigers off-camera inspecting the apparatus.
WWF says the footage is a ‘cause for celebration.’ The group says it’s the first time they’ve recorded evidence of tiger breeding in central Sumatra.
There are as few as 400 Sumatran tigers left in Indonesia.
The WWF says the tiger habitat is threatened by companies clearing the forest for paper and palm oil production, as well as illegal logging.
The infrared-triggered camera traps are activated when they sense body heat in their path. These cameras were placed nearly a month ago along a wildlife ‘corridor’ known to be used by tigers.
After five years of WWF study in Sumatra using wildlife-activated still camera traps, these are the first images of a tiger with offspring.
Most Popular News
-
Black Hole Seen Eating Asteroids?
An ongoing rocky buffet would explain bright x-ray flares seen around our galaxy's supermassive black hole since 1999, astronomers say.
-
Zebra Stripes Are Bug Repellant?
Stripes may do more than help zebras hide in tall grass—the pattern may scramble the vision of bloodsucking horseflies
-
Lake Vostok Breached
Russian scientists have confirmed that they have breached the subglacial Lake Vostok in Antarctica—a first.
Advertisement
News Blogs
-
Ireland to Charge for Water for the First Time
New plan aims to boost water conservation.
-
Texas Moves to Save Critical Groundwater
Ogallala Aquifer has dropped as much as 150 feet.
-
Good News, Bad News on U.S. Energy Outlook
The "all of the above" energy approach Obama championed in his State of the Union speech is at odds with U.S. climate goals.
ScienceBlogs Picks
Connect With Nat Geo
Got Something to Share?
Special Ad Section
Great Energy Challenge Blog
Green Living Hot Topics
-
Organic Air Fresheners
Avoid toxic chemicals and create a calming space.
-
Surprising Recyclable Household Items
With a little know-how, you can recycle more than you think.
-
Side Effects of Vegetarianism
Find out how to stay healthy and eat lower on the food chain.
