In a thrilling development for wildlife conservation, a tiger has been spotted at an astonishing 6,000 feet in the Shaukiyathal forest near Jageshwar Dham, Almora, Uttarakhand. This marks the first time a tiger has been sighted at such a high altitude in the Terai region of the Himalayas.
Previously, tigers have been occasionally spotted in the Mohan area of Almora, closer to the Corbett National Park. However, this sighting in the dense bamboo and rhododendron forests surrounding Jageshwar Dham has sent ripples of excitement among both residents and wildlife experts.
The news has been hailed as a positive indication for wildlife conservation efforts in Uttarakhand, which currently boasts the third-largest tiger population in India with over 570 tigers. Corbett National Park alone houses around 270 tigers.
The tiger’s presence in the high Himalayas is attributed to the rising tiger population in the Terai region, leading the majestic cats to explore new corridors and habitats. Dr. Saket Badola, Director of Rajaji Tiger Reserve, confirmed the sighting and emphasized its significance.
“This is a positive indication for wildlife and suggests that tigers are venturing into and exploring these areas,” Dr. Badola stated. He further highlighted the tiger’s adaptability to various climatic conditions, mentioning their ability to thrive in both sub-zero temperatures like Jageshwar and scorching regions like Ranthambore in Rajasthan.
Dr. Dheeraj Pandey, Director of Jim Corbett National Park, echoed similar sentiments, attributing the tiger’s movement to a combination of factors like climate change, abundant food sources, and the growing tiger population in the Terai forests. He also revealed plans to deploy trap cameras to monitor the tiger’s movements and gather further data.
This unprecedented sighting of a tiger in the high Himalayas of Uttarakhand serves as a testament to the ongoing success of wildlife conservation efforts in the region. It also underscores the importance of protecting diverse habitats and corridors to ensure the long-term survival and prosperity of these magnificent creatures.