At Dudhwa,double jump in tiger cub sightings

In 2009,the number of cubs sighted has jumped to 24.

The increase in tiger cub numbers has come as a welcome relief just ahead of a tiger census scheduled to be held this year.

“Basic things required for increase in tiger population are adequate security cover and proper green cover for the herbivores to thrive. In the last year,we have focused on these areas and as a result there in an increase in the tiger population in the state,” said Sanjay Pathak,Field Director,Dudhwa Tiger Reserve.

The tiger cubs are usually born between February and March but it is difficult to sight them for the next three months as they don’t move out in open during this period.

The forest department officials can only sight new cubs by June,once they start moving in the nearby areas. “We have regularly been monitoring the progress of the cubs and ensuring the safety of the big cats,” added Pathak.

In 2007,64 tigers were spotted at Dudhwa Tiger Reserve — 21 male,31 female and 12 cubs. In 2009,the total number of sightings of big cats rose to 99 — 48 male,27 female and 24 cubs. In the month of January this year,three male and three female tigers have sighted along with three cubs. “We are still in the process of compiling figures for the month of February,” said the field director.

In the 2006 tiger census,the pugmark technique estimated that there are 106 tigers at the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve.