July 17, 2023: Sariska's tiger family grows to 30! Two tiger cubs bring joy and hope. What’s next? Keep reading to know more!
After two cubs were born to tiger ST-19 (name of the mother), the tiger population in Sariska Tiger Reserve, National Park, Rajasthan, reached 30 for the first time in thirty years.
On July 6, a photograph of the trio family was taken in the park's buffer zone close to Alwar,Rajasthan.The cubs appear to be three months old and are the second litter of the five years old tigress .The father of these pups, according to the forest officials, is male tiger ST-18.
Buffer zone- A buffer zone is a region intended to support protected area conservation.
Imagine the joy and happiness that filled the reserve when the two tiger cubs made their grand entrance into the world. Their arrival is a sign that the efforts of many people to protect tigers and their homes are working. It shows that tigers are not only surviving but also thriving in Sariska.
Ashok Gehlot, the chief minister of Rajasthan, shared his joy on Twitter. Additionally, he tagged the image of the mother and cubs. He stated that forest life has returned. Sariska delivered the wonderful news of the birth of two cubs. There are now 30 tigers in existence. He tweeted in Hindi on Sunday, the government is devoted to tiger protection, which is crucial for the environment as a whole.
Conservationists and forest officials have been working hard to keep the tigers safe. They have set up cameras and used advanced technology to monitor and protect the tigers from poachers. They have also been creating a safe environment for tigers to live and grow by planting trees and preserving their natural habitats.
RN Meena, field director of Sariska Tiger Reserve mentioned that conservation efforts have begun to show positive outcomes, leading to the establishment of habitats for big cats in various sections of the reserve. It was also mentioned that new protected areas have been designated for big cats by relocating villages and expanding buffer zones within the tiger reserve. According to the information provided, four villages have been relocated recently. Furthermore, it was stated that the region where the tigress gave birth was included in the reserve in 2012.
According to experts, the park has room for 42–45 big cats. In agreement with the National Tiger Conservation Authority's (NTCA's) regulations, the Rajasthani government designated an area of 881.1 square kilometers as crucial tiger habitat in 2007.
Some years ago, Sariska Tiger Reserve faced a big problem when all its tigers disappeared due to poaching. It was a sad time for everyone who cared about these magnificent creatures. But thanks to the dedicated efforts of conservationists and local communities, the tiger population is bouncing back.
Poaching- Poaching is the illegal trafficking and killing of wildlife.
According to a specialist, there are currently 26 villages located in the vital tiger habitat that need to be relocated since they are apparently violating the rules for tiger habitat.This means that people are moving to new places outside the reserve, giving the tigers more room to explore, roam and live peacefully. It's a win-win situation because it helps both the tigers and the people to live in harmony.
What’s next?
Tigers are incredibly important for our planet. They are beautiful and powerful creatures, and they play a crucial role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. By keeping the number of herbivores in check, they help preserve the natural balance of nature. Tigers also inspire awe and wonder, capturing our imagination with their grace and strength.
Although this news is fantastic, we must continue to work hard to protect tigers and their homes. We need to make sure that the forests where they live are safe from poachers and that they have enough prey to eat. It's also important for us to learn about tigers and spread awareness about their conservation, so that more people can join in the efforts to save them. Remember, each one of us can be a hero for tigers and contribute to their survival.