Tiger Count Reaches a New High in Sariska

What has happened in Sariska?

The number of tigers at Rajasthan's Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR) has increased to 27. The number was increased as tigress ST-14 (yeah, that’s her name!) gave birth to two cubs recently. Wildlife lovers are pleased with this news.

This is the highest number of tigers Sariska has had in the last 40-50 years.

The forest authorities are also delighted. They say that a successful village relocation programme is behind this. The officers moved people from surrounding villages to make more space for the tigers.

What is the village relocation programme of the Sariska Tiger Reserve?

The village relocation programme helps protect tigers by reducing their contact with humans. By moving villages to different areas, this programme gives tigers more space to live and hunt. It also improves the tigers' habitat and prey options.

Sariska lost all of its tigers in 2005 due to poaching. So, the park officials brought two tigers from Ranthambore National Park to increase STR’s tiger population.

The village relocation programme was started to boost tiger populations even more. Sariska is also home to several other animals like sambar, chital, leopards, nilgai, wild boar, porcupines, and langurs.

What is the importance of saving tigers?

Tigers help in the conservation of forests and grasslands by hunting herbivores. Tiger tourism in India’s national parks and tiger reserves can increase job opportunities and generate income. Tiger habitats also help reduce climate change by acting as carbon sinks. This helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Tigers are also the country’s national animal. So, protecting them is important.

Would you like to visit a tiger reserve like Sariska or Ranthambore for a vacation and spot a tiger in the wild? Tell us in the comments below.