Tigress, cub sighted near Sariska temple

Jaipur: In the buffer zone of Sariska Tiger Reserve, a tigress identified as ST-2302 was captured on camera traps with a cub, adding a fresh chapter to the reserve's conservation success. The images, taken near the stepwell close to the Karni Mata temple, suggest the cub is around three months old.The sighting was confirmed by chief conservator of forests Sangram Singh Tuesday, just days before the upcoming Karni Mata fair on Friday when thousands of pilgrims are expected to visit the temple in the reserve area. With crowds anticipated, forest officials have strengthened monitoring and issued an appeal for restraint to the pilgrims. Singh said, "At present, the tigress and cub are mainly located around the Karni Mata temple in the Balakila area. The forest department has strengthened security and monitoring in these areas. We have appealed to devotees and tourists to avoid unnecessary movement, noise and crowding in the region and to strictly follow the department's guidelines."Although only one cub was photographed so far, forest staff did not dismiss the probability of more cubs with the tigress. A staff member said, "Though one cub was captured, there is a possibility more are present."The new cub is a significant addition to Sariska's steadily recovering population. The buffer zone now supports about 10 tigers, including adults, tigresses and their young. ST-2302 herself belongs to a distinguished lineage — she is a descendant of Sariska's famed tigress ST-19, who raised multiple litters and played a crucial role in the reserve's revival after the local extinction caused by poaching two decades ago.With this addition, the tiger population at Sariska is close to 50, including the 10 in buffer zone. Conservationst expect this milestone to boost eco-tourism, as tiger sightings in the reserve are now more frequent.