Ranthambhore tiger population increases to 36

Jaipur, Nov 24: The total number of tigers in Ranthambhore Sanctuary has shot up to 36, up from 26 in May 2005, with the birth of three more cubs recently.

Three newborns were seen in the sanctuary yesterday. Seven cubs were born earlier in the forest in the last six months.

The birth of a total of 10 cubs in Ranthambhore recently is being considered a great achievement for the state and its forest department, which has been under constant criticism for the steadily depleting tiger population.

Confirming the increase, state chief wildlife warden R N Mehrotra told UNI ''The total number has increased to 36, mainly due to sustained effortd of forest department officials and a conducive environment for the birth of tigers.'' ''At least 100 camera traps have been placed in Ranthambhore alone to capture the movement of tigers and their cubs,'' he said.

UNI