Latest news with #ProjectTiger
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Leopard, jackal injure 2 in separate incidents
Pilibhit: A 50-year-old woman was attacked by a leopard while inspecting her sugarcane crop in Mewatpur village, about 3 km from the Mala forest range of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, on Sunday morning. "The leopard was hiding in the field and pounced on me, inflicting claw and bite injuries on my arm," said the victim, Jagdeyi. Locals working nearby rushed to her aid with sticks and loud shouts, forcing the big cat to retreat. This is the same village where a killer tigress, believed to be behind five deaths in the past two months, had mauled 33-year-old farmer Mukesh Verma to death on June 9. In another incident earlier that day, a 65-year-old farmer, Babu Ram, was bitten by a jackal while sleeping outside his house in Saijni Bankati village, just 2 km from Mewatpur. He sustained injuries to his right leg. Both victims were taken to the autonomous state medical college for treatment. Forest range officer Robin Kumar Singh visited both sites with his team and submitted reports to senior officials. Meanwhile, fresh tiger pug marks were spotted in a paddy field in Ramnagar village under Deuria police station, around 50 km from the tigress's last known movement area. The field belongs to farmer Praveen Sharma. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Nvidia's AI Strategy Is Clear - But Is Wall Street Paying Attention? Seeking Alpha Read More Undo "This is the first time pug marks have been seen in our village," he said. A forest team has been sent to examine the site and measure the tracks, said Rohit Joshi, Bisalpur circle range officer. With the tigress untraceable since it was last seen in Dandia village on Saturday morning, about 3 km from Bithra Mandaria, where a woman was killed on July 17, the state's additional principal chief conservator of forests (Project Tiger), Lalit Verma, convened a high-level meeting at the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve headquarters on Sunday afternoon. "We've shared details and photographs of the tigress with Himanshu Bhagri, our counterpart in Uttarakhand's Terai East forest division, which borders Pilibhit Tiger Reserve over a 12-km stretch. He has assured full cooperation in locating and rescuing the tigress if it crosses over," said Bharat Kumar DK, DFO of Pilibhit forest and wildlife division.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
18 govt schools shut across 15 Pilibhit villages as killer tigress roams free
Pilibhit: Eighteen govt schools across 15 villages in Pilibhit have been shut as a precautionary measure after a tigress suspected of killing three people, most recently a woman on July 17 in Bithra Mandaria, continued to evade capture despite an intensive rescue operation. The school closure, ordered by basic shiksha adhikari Amit Kumar Singh on Saturday, follows a request by divisional forest officer Bharat Kumar DK and approval from district magistrate Gyanendra Singh. The schools will remain closed until the tigress is captured. Efforts to trap the animal using cages, live bait, and patrol teams have failed so far. The tigress is believed to be moving stealthily through interconnected sugarcane and paddy fields. Senior forest officials, including additional principal chief conservator (Project Tiger) Lalit Verma and Bareilly Zone chief conservator PP Singh, are camping in the area. After the latest attack, forest officials initiated talks to seek permission from the state's chief wildlife warden to shoot the tigress. DM Gyanendra Singh, on July 18, had said that the matter was discussed with PTR field director Ramesh Chandra, who is reviewing the tigress's case history before proceeding further. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like You Won't Believe the Price of These Dubai Apartments Binghatti Developers FZE Get Offer Undo The tigress was last spotted on Saturday in Dandia village, about 2km from the most recent attack site. All three deaths have occurred within a 5km radius near the Mala range of the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve. "We tracked pugmarks showing the tigress crossed the Khakra river to reach Dandia, but efforts to use elephants for combing had to be dropped due to strong opposition from farmers fearing crop damage. We're now using modified tractors instead," said PTR DFO Manish Singh. Farmers have long resisted the use of elephants during combing operations, as the state govt offers no compensation for crop damage caused by jumbo movement. "We've raised the issue with senior officials and are hoping for a policy change," Singh added. Meanwhile, eight e-rickshaws have been deployed across affected villages to spread safety advisories.
Time of India
5 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Tiger count up from 33 to 36 at Amrabad Tiger Reserve (ATR) in Telangana
HYDERABAD: Tiger population at Amrabad Tiger Reserve (ATR) has gone up to 36 in 2024-25 compared to 33 the previous year, according to the forest department's annual monitoring report. The numbers indicate a rise in adult tigers and breeding females. The monitoring exercise was carried out in line with National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) protocols between Dec 20, 2024, and May 15, 2025. It covered 10 forest ranges and was divided into four spatial blocks to ensure systematic data collection. For the tiger count, 1,594 camera traps were installed across 797 grid locations (each two square km). Officials also tracked indirect signs such as pugmarks, scats and scrape marks to support the count. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Flexible Program BITS Pilani Digital Apply Now Undo The latest figures include 13 male tigers, 20 females, two cubs, and an unidentified individual. The number of adult tigers rose from 26 to 33. However, cub sightings dropped from seven last year to two this year. Forest officials attributed the change to continued field efforts, including habitat protection and patrolling. They said monitoring and conservation activities would continue as part of the broader Project Tiger programme.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Amrabad now has 36 tigers
Tiger population in the Amrabad Tiger Reserve is showing encouraging growth as revealed by the latest estimates. Phase IV of the Tiger Monitoring exercise for the year 2024-25 has shown an increase of three tigers in the protected sanctuary. The Phase-IV monitoring for the previous year estimated the tiger population at 33, while the latest one counted 36. Of these, 13 are males and 20, females, besides two cubs and one unidentified tiger. The previous year's estimate counted 11 males, 15 females and seven cubs. The number of adult tigers rose from 26 to 34, reflecting a steady positive trend, said a statement from the Field Director, Project Tiger. Notably, the increase in breeding females signifies improved reproductive success and population resilience. The monitoring exercise was carried out in accordance with National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) protocols, covering 10 forest ranges divided into four spatial blocks for effective and systematic data collection, the statement said. A total 1,594 camera traps were deployed in the reserve between December 20, 2024 and May 15, 2025 for identifying the tigers. The indirect monitoring exercise covered 797 grid locations, each two square kilometres, to confirm the camera trap data with indirect signs such as pug marks, scats, and scrape & rake marks, the statement said. Field Director Rohit Gopidi termed the results as encouraging and attributed the success to the field staff.
NDTV
6 days ago
- NDTV
A New Luxury Resort In Jim Corbett National Park Is Changing How India Sees Forests In Monsoon
Jim Corbett National Park isn't the first name that springs to mind when you think spotting a tiger. After all, it was this forest that made Jim Corbett, the man who lends his name to the national park, write that "you will not see tigers until the tigers want you to see them". Till date, the national park has maintained that reputation. Sighting a tiger in this national park is akin to seeing God. Luck isn't your best friend all the time but the national park is a class of its own. Monsoon, of course, makes it doubly tough for wildlife sightings, with most zones in the national park shut to tourists and for jungle safari, but Jim Corbett is one where three zones - Dhela, Jhirna and Sitabani - stay open throughout the year. Jim Corbett, which boasts a whopping 252 tigers living inside it and 266 tigers using it, is the national park with the highest density of tigers in India. It is the first national park in India to be established under the Project Tiger programme. But while catching a glimpse of a tiger needs an immense stroke of luck, the forest, beyond its shy feline residents, holds so much more. The birds, the elephants, the crocodiles, and the famous trails of Corbett all enjoy legendary status among wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers across the world. First There Was The Kosi Then there is the Kosi. The river, which has earned the moniker of "Sorrow of Bihar" because of its devastating floods, becomes the lifeline of the national park by the time it reaches Corbett. The perennial river feeds the eastern periphery of the park. The Kosi flows from Mohan to Ramnagar via Dhikuli. It is by the banks of the Kosi, on the edge of the national park, that a new Marriott resort has just swung open its doors. Jim Corbett National Park is no alien to luxury resorts. Several high-end properties dot the road by the Kosi, but this new resort might be its swankiest yet. And in monsoon, perhaps the best weekend break from Delhi. A New Resort On The Forest Fringes This is Marriott International's 13th hotel in India. Jim Corbett Marriott Resort and Spa, with its 99 elegant, modern rooms, make for the perfect base if you're planning on exploring Jim Corbett. Bonus points if you're travelling with family: the place is a hit with kids. Come monsoon, when parts of the national park are shut, the resort serves as an escape from the chaos of the city. Here, as birds chirp you awake, views of the Kosi from the balconies in the rooms play the perfect breakfast garnish. At The Corbett Kitchen, the on-site all-day dining restaurant, a flautist accompanies the breakfast buffet. It is just how you would want to start your day. Over breakfast, after you lick off the last of the Kumaoni Thali (don't miss the array of chutneys on offer) crafted with meticulous precision by a team headed by Chef Harpal Singh, step out for a kulhad of chai. Teatime is a lavish affair here. Called 'Chaukori', tea is freshly brewed and comes in increasing levels of kadak. A bouquet of streetside snacks accompanies the tea. Set up twice a day, the Chaukori outside Corbett Kitchen is quite the hit with guests; more so in monsoon, the season that India cannot imagine without tea. S For Sustainability The Great Room lounge with views of the pool; Sal Bar, where cocktails come dressed in flavours of the Jim Corbett National Park; Malani Grill, where the five elements of nature decide what goes on your plate - are the culinary highlights at the resort. A capital S for sustainability. Over our three days at the resort, we tried a variety of offerings at the Corbett Kitchen, from European to Indian, and even sushi and momos that the chef ruffled up in the duration of a meal! At Sal Bar, a mini Corbett greeted us alongside cocktails with local ingredients. A picante with a house twist, with Uttarakhandi chilies, deserves special mention. The Kumaoni Breakfast Thali. Photo: Author All of those indulgences need to be complemented with a massage, and the Quan Spa makes sure no stone is left unturned. The therapy also helped us prep for what was in store the next morning. The Safari Story Travelling to Jim Corbett National Park, no matter what the luck forecasts say, is incomplete without a jungle safari. It is the main attraction for tourists who make the trek from their respective homes to Corbett. So, we set out for the coveted jungle safari on our last morning at the resort. At pre-dawn, as a solitary koel sang the morning in, the sky above Kosi, outside our balcony, glowed a dark blue. It was time to set out for yet another safari; say our prayers to the forest gods and shy tigers of Corbett; and hop on to the dark-green jeep with Ravi, the in-house naturalist. The jeep zoomed past the many resorts that dot the road to the Dhikala zone entry. Tiger, Tiger As we made our way into the wild, the jungle-safari mandates began: the anthills, the many little birds, the occasional elephant dung, and then... the pug marks. The jeep ground to a noiseless halt. A barking deer announced our arrival. Our guide and Ravi both sat up erect, looking around for any evidence of burning stripes peeking out of a bush somewhere. We had spotted drag marks. The tiger, Ravi told us, had just dragged its prey - large, probably a sambar deer - deep into the forest. So we waited. With breath bated, eyes a squint, and the sound of our heartbeat the only noise punctuating the silence. For fifteen minutes, this dance of anticipation played on. Then, a group of deer emerged on the scene. The moment had passed. We exchanged wistful smiles in the jeep and made off for the rest of the safari. The stuffy humidity of the morning soon gave way to a downpour. It was as if the forest had come alive. The rain meant whatever hope we had of spotting a tiger, had to be postponed for the next Corbett trip. Back at the resort, we washed the morning ride down with a cup of steaming hot tea, watching the rain make its own pug marks on the pool. There were tiger tales. There were stories of encounters and maneaters of Kumaon, of the tigers that the forest hides. Did one see us? Maybe. Did one want us to see it? Well. FACT SHEET Where: Jim Corbett Marriott Resort and Spa is located about 280 kilometres from Delhi, or a six-hour drive away. The resort lies on the banks of the Kosi, a stone's throw from the Dhikala entry gates. The nearest airport is Dehradun, 220 kilometres away. In Monsoon: The Dhela, Jhirna and Sitabani zones stay open for safari throughout the year. All other major zones - Dhikala, Bijrani, Durga Devi, Sonanadi - stay closed in monsoon. What To Do, Eat And See: When at the resort, you can pick from a variety of cuisines and dining options. The Corbett Kitchen offers all-day dining. Malani Grill, with views of the Malani Hills and the Kosi, is perfect for a special meal. Sal Bar has a range of cocktails to take your pick from, and The Great Room is the in-house cafe. Apart from a jungle safari through one of the zones of the national park, the resort has a kids' zone, a golf simulator, and a spa. Places to see around the area include Corbett Waterfall, Garjiya Devi temple. Day trips to Nainital and Ramnagar are a good option, as is birdwatching on the Kosi Deck at the resort. Rooms And Tariff: Rooms at the resort come in the following categories - Deluxe, Premier, Family Suite, Suite, and Executive Suite. Doubles from Rs 17,778 to Rs 28,304 without taxes. The property also offers a range of curated packages.
