A team of wildlife experts in Nepal has captured tiger behavior that has never been recorded before, using a fleet of drones and night-time thermal cameras to observe two remarkable big cat families living on an island. The findings are presented in «Tiger Island», a two-part miniseries that premiered on PBS on Wednesdays, October 21 and 28 at 8/7c.
The documentary focuses on an island in Nepal that is home to a dense population of tigers, providing a unique setting for researchers to study the animals' social dynamics and hunting strategies. By deploying drones and thermal imaging technology, the team was able to witness interactions and activities that had previously eluded scientists, offering new insights into tiger ecology and behavior.
The miniseries follows two specific tiger families, giving viewers an intimate look at the challenges they face and the adaptations that allow them to thrive in this unusual habitat. The use of advanced technology allowed the researchers to observe the animals without disturbing them, capturing footage that would have been impossible with traditional filming methods.
Nepal has become a global leader in tiger conservation, with its population of Bengal tigers nearly doubling in recent years thanks to strict anti-poaching measures and habitat protection. The island featured in the documentary represents a microcosm of that success, but also highlights the pressures tigers face as they compete for space and resources.
The documentary is part of PBS Nature's long-running series, which has brought the natural world to millions of viewers. «Nature» is a production of The WNET Group for PBS and has consistently been among the most-watched primetime series on public television.
«Tiger Island» offers a rare glimpse into the lives of these apex predators, showing how technology is transforming wildlife research and conservation. The program underscores the importance of continued investment in both scientific innovation and habitat protection to ensure the survival of tigers in the wild.
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