15 new tiger cubs sighted in Dudhwa

Sharing some good news..

LAKHIMPUR: In a good news for wildlife enthusiasts concerned over dwindling big cat population in the country, at least 15 tiger cubs have been
sighted in the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh, officials said.

Not only that, the survival rate of the cubs has also increased, they said.

"At least 15 tiger cubs have been sighted at various spots of the park," Shailesh Prasad, field director of the Dudhwa reserve in Kheri district, said.

He said a tigress with three cubs was sighted in Madraicha while Chhota Palia, Chaltua, Kakraha, Puraina and Jhadi Tal areas of the national park and Sadar beat of Katarniaghat wildlife sanctuary (KWS) were reported to have tigresses with two cubs respectively.

He also said, "a tigress with one cub was reported to be staying in Trans-Gerua area of KWS."

"All the cubs were hale and hearty, which indicated a sustained growth of tiger family in Dudhwa despite several odds," he added.

However, if the arrival of new members in the tiger families has rejuvenated the wildlife lovers, this has also left them seriously concerned as Dudhwa with an area of nearly 1400 sq kms is nearly saturated with tiger population.

Link - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/h...ow/5212807.cms

That's a happy news indeed!
Isn't Dudhwa the same place which had a problem with over population of rhino?

Dudhwa is in news recently, for the rhinos remaining in a small enclosure despite two decades has passed since they were introduced in Dudhwa. It is certainly good news that a good number of cubs have been sighted. Most of the cubs and adolescents don't reach adulthood, unless and until there is a good prey base and good protection.

If the prey base is small, then the same tigress covers a larger range. Obviously, that means less efficiency and less number of cubs getting good nutrition. A good prey base ensures that both tigress as well as male tigers remain in smaller areas. The chances of conflict among tigers also reduces.

Dudhwa is currently facing lot of anthropogenic pressures. There are reports of poaching as well. I hope this area gets good protection.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi