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A very lucky Sambar deer.

A very lucky Sambar deer.

In late October 2023 I was amazed to see a large adult male tiger quietly resting at a dried up river bed while a Sambar deer; arguably his most favoured prey walked close by him with the tiger showing little interest. I could only think that the tiger was already well fed and just wanted to rest-lucky deer! ...

Encouraging increase in India's tiger population.

Encouraging increase in India's tiger population.

There are now 3,682 wild tigers in India up from 2,967 in 2018-a rise of almost 24% in 4 years.  The revised figures follow detailed analyses of census data collected during the fifth cycle conducted in 2022.  With this latest information, India is now home to approximately 75% of the world's tiger population.       ...

Delighted to return to Ranthambore after 3 years

Delighted to return to Ranthambore after 3 years

In October/November 2023 I was delighted to be able to return to the 'Land of the Tiger' after a 3 year break due to the coronavirus outbreak. My destination was Ranthambhore where I had spent many past years following the fortunes of the tiger families and other interesting wildlife. Of the many lovely wildlife sightings that I enjoyed perhps the most interesting was spending time with tigress Riddhi and her 3 young cubs. This photo shows the tigress with 2 of her 4 month old cubs whi ...

The 4 year Indian tiger count begins this year

The 4 year Indian tiger count begins this year

The national tiger count, which takes place once after every four years to estimate the total number of tigers in India, began this year with a two-day training program attended by wildlife experts and conservationists who will be embarking on the three-month survey.  With the highest number of tigers as recorded in the last census in 2018, the state of Madhya Pradesh is set to embark on a three-month-long survey to count all the tigers in India. Along with this, emphasis is being la ...

Proposal for new tiger wildlife sanctuary in MP.

Proposal for new tiger wildlife sanctuary in MP.

Approximately 258 sq km of forest in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh will become the Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Wildlife Sanctuary, if all goes to plan. However, there are 88 villages within a five kms circumference of the proposed sanctuary.  The tiger real-estate of Madhya Pradesh is all set to expand with the brand new Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Wildlife Sanctuary in Bundelkhand region in Sagar district. The sanctuary project was recently sanctioned by the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shivraj Singh Chauh ...

The monsoon patrol at Panna

The monsoon patrol at Panna

Forest guards of the Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh wade through slush, swollen streams and dense thickets, as they patrol over 542 sq kms of the reserve’s core area and another 1,021 sq kms of its buffer zone, and never too far away from belligerent wild bears and venomous snakes.  Looking after the security of the animals, especially the tigers in this season is a big challenge. More so because this is when the jungle mafia and poachers take advantage of the difficulties an ...

Tigers seen high up in the Himalaya

Tigers seen high up in the Himalaya

A new paper has reportedfresh sightings >of wild tigers in higher elevations in Nepal, showing that conservation efforts need to be stepped up outside their traditional habitat inside national parks.  There have been multiple sightings of at least two tigers in the mountains of Rupandehi, Kapilvastu, and Palpa, three districts in central Nepal that have never before seen the presence of the endangered big cats. Individual tigers can be identified by signature stripes on their bodi ...

Supreme Court seeks Centre's response to save wild tigers.

Supreme Court seeks Centre's response to save wild tigers.

TThe petition, filed by advocate Anupam Tripathi, said tigers were being killed either by poisoning by locals or the authorities, shooting by forest guards or by poaching. “The poisoning of tigers with pesticide by vengeful villagers is threatening the survival of big cats. Farmers who lose their cows and buffaloes to the big cats are lacing pesticides on the carcasses of their cattle to kill the predators,” it said.  See link below to read more on this report.   ...

Manas sees and amazing rise in Tiger numbers

Manas sees and amazing rise in Tiger numbers

From zero tigers to 48 big cats in 20 years.  Ravaged by insurgents and rampant poaching for nearly two decades, Assam’s Manas National Park had no tigers twenty years ago. But it now boasts 48 members of the endangered species.   ...

Tiger numbers increased at Amrabad Tiger Reserve

Tiger numbers increased at Amrabad Tiger Reserve

The Amrabad Tiger Reserve is now home to highest population of Tigers in Telangana with about 14 of them captured by cameras, according to Annual Census Report, released today by R.Sobha, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.  In all, 43 wild animal species were recorded.  Phase IV monitoring of the Tigers in every Tiger Reserve in India is underway. Last time during 2019 Phase -IV census, 12 identified Tigers were captured in cameras. During the 2020-21 year, Phase IV monitoring h ...

Male tiger takes over the role of tigress.

Male tiger takes over the role of tigress.

Male tiger raises four cubs alone after death of mother tigress. Wildlife experts said that such kind of behavior among tigers is quite rare.“Next two to three months are very crucial for gaining skills for surviving the wild. The average weight of the cubs is around 50kg, which ideally should increase to 80-90kg by the time they turn one. Currently, all four cubs are healthy and making good progress in the wild. They don’t seem to be stressed, instead, they are playful and qu ...

Rajastthan to get its fourth tiger reserve

Rajastthan to get its fourth tiger reserve

JAIPUR: Rajasthan is poised its reserve after Ramgarh Vishdhari sanctuary a nod from National Tiger Conservation (NTCA)'s committee. tigers were believed to the the chief budget to forest into the was The area of sq. km has been as reserve area comprising blocks of Bhilwara, Bundi and lndargarh, which falls under buffer zone Ranthambore Tiger Reserve The in the ...

Tigers to be tested for Covid19

Tigers to be tested for Covid19

Pench Tiger Reserve field director VS Parihar said, “For the past 20 days, six forest department officials on two elephants are trying to locate tigers in the forest to tranquillise them and take samples. They are yet to find any as it is a difficult task--the rainy season has started.”  More on this interesting development by following the link below. https://bit.ly/3qirEdp ...

Chhattisgarh taking steps to increase tiger numbers

Chhattisgarh taking steps to increase tiger numbers

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Monday virtually launched works worth Rs 25.80 crores to increase the number of tigers in the Achanakmar Tiger Reserve.  Various proposals related to conservation and promotion of wildlife were approved at the meeting. The discussions covered Guru Ghasidas National Park, Tamor Pingula Sanctuary.  See link below to read more on this encouraging development. https://bit.ly/3gUplsM ...