As per primary estimations for two years from 2011 to 2013, the total number of tigers found in the core area surged from 72 to 80. The final count of tigers in the Dudhwa tiger reserve is expected to be 125, according to officials.

In 2010-2011, the total count of tigers as per their census in the Dudhwa tiger reserve was 118.

The latest findings have been sent to the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests for screening purpose, according to an official.

Once the exact number of tigers present in the Katarniaghat wildlife sanctuary, North and South kheri forest division are found, it is expected to reach 125. Primary findings for the Pilibhit forest division, which is a separate reserve now, has also come.

The Dudhwa national park and the Kishenpur wildlife sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh, which are the core area of the reserve, have overseen camera-trapping exercises.

The cameras that were fitted in the core area, (in every 1.6 sq km) were placed in a way that it could record tigers of any age, height or built.
According to sources, around 382 pictures have been downloaded from these cameras and they show the presence of around a dozen new cubs in the core area. These photographs are being studied extensively to find out the exact number of new cubs.

The official tiger census by the National Tiger Conservation Authority is in its first stage right now which was started on November 15 last year at Dudhwa.

(JPN)
source: http://www.post.jagran.com / Post Jagran / Home> States News> North India News> Uttar Pradesh / July 28th, 2014