Tiger Cub Discovery Gives Researchers Hope For This Endangered Species

The Indochinese tiger has been a critically endangered species for years now.

But a breeding population of the tigers was recently found in a jungle in eastern Thailand, and conservationists couldn't be more ecstatic. 

Thailand's Department of National Parks, along with wildlife organizations Freeland and Panthera, shared the good news Tuesday.

The group used camera traps to capture photos and video of the small tiger population in the jungle. And among those tigers were at least six cubs.

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The only other known breeding population of the tigers is in the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, which is also in Thailand.

The discovery is very encouraging for the Indochinese tiger species. Researchers estimate there are only 221 of the tigers left in just two Asian countries.

Conservationists are crediting the success to increased anti-poaching efforts in Thailand. Still, one conservation program director called the rebound "nothing short of miraculous."