07-05-2025
Beldanda, Dudhwa's iconic tigress, missing after injuries
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Bareilly: Beldanda, the famed tigress of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve and a major draw for tourists, is missing after sustaining multiple injuries, raising fears for her survival and the safety of her three frequently seen with her sub-adult cubs, Beldanda was last spotted on May 4 with visible injuries on her head, left eye, and one limb. Since then, she has not been seen, and her cubs are believed to be abandoned. Wildlife experts warn the situation is critical and blame delays in intervention."After I shared images of her serious injuries with forest officials and raised the issue on social media, orders were issued to tranquilize and treat her," said wildlife expert Siddharth Singh said on Wednesday. "But it may be too late now. This is a crisis — we're on the verge of losing the queen of Dudhwa, who alone attracted tourists from around the world."Known as the "supermom of Terai," Beldanda has birthed 13 cubs and is one of the most frequently sighted tigers in the expert said the missing tigress has left her cubs vulnerable. "There are many predators in Kishanpur Sanctuary. The department should have acted sooner to ensure their safety," he director of Dudhwa, Rengaraju Tamilselvan, said, "We are trying to trace the tigress. Tourism in the Kishanpur range has been suspended. I can assure that the injuries aren't life-threatening."
