Extinction is a very real threat for the Bengal tigers living near Nepal and in 2009, that's just what researchers thought would happen. Only 18 total adult tigers had been spotted in Bardia National Park that year, a paltry number that worried conservationists. Hidden cameras had been placed around the park in the hopes of counting just how many of the majestic cats were still around and when the shockingly low numbers came to light, the Nepalese government began working closely with park rangers to double security. Poachers are the number one threat to the tigers and for years, the locals had been trying to stop the killings on thier own.
Fortunately, the cause has been taken up by high level politicains who have pressed to add more guard posts and offered greater support for the rangers cracking down on poaching. Over 300 poachers were caught in 2011 alone. The results of this increased secrutiy have had a noticable impact though and researchers are elated to find that the population of tigers has doubled, going from 18 in 2009 to 37 in 2011. For more information, click here.
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