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Two more tiger cubs spotted in Sariska


The lineage of Machli, the most photographed tigress of the world, continues not just in Ranthambore, but in Sariska too. Credited with increasing the tiger population in Ranthambore through her several litters, her daughter, ST-2, is now carrying the task in Sariska Tiger Reserve. Already a mother of two daughters, ST-2 has littered once again and the newborns were spotted on Saturday.

With this, the tiger population in Sariska — where the majestic cats were once wiped out by poachers — has reached 11, much to the joy of wildlife lovers.

"ST-2 has proved to be a blessing for Sariska Tiger Reserve as she is the only tigress that littered after tigers were relocated there in 2008. Not only is this a great news for wildlife lovers in Rajasthan but the second litter by ST-2 highlights the contribution of the famous tigress Machli of Ranthambore towards the big cat population in the state. The earlier litter by ST-2 are both daughters and they will one day in turn bring forth more cubs in Sariska, carrying on the legacy of Machli," says Rajpal Singh, member of the state wildlife board.

The two cubs were caught by trap cameras in the reserve's Kali Ghati area along with their mother at around 9.02pm. Reserve officials did not rule out the possibility of more cubs in the reserve. Sariska DFO Manoj Parasar said that the cubs were spotted when they were hunting for prey with their mother.

Reserve authorities are also optimistic that another tigress ST-10 may have also have littered recently. "ST-10 has made Bijapur forest area her territory for the past couple of months. We hope that she may have also littered, but it is yet to confirmed. We have stepped up security in this region and are eagerly waiting for the good news," said the officer.


http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/...765905.cms

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