Alwar, May 30: The number of tigers in Rajasthan's Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR) has gone up to 40 with the birth of four cubs recently, Forest Minister Sanjay Sharma said.

Expressing happiness, Sharma said, "There was a time when tigers had disappeared from Sariska. But now, the forest reserve is witnessing an increase in tiger population. It's a matter of happiness that a tigress gave birth to four cubs and that there have been 10 new tiger cubs in the last six months in Sariska National Park."

"I am feeling very happy that the number of tigers in the forest is now 40 including the cubs. This is huge news for Sariska as once upon a time, Sariska didn't have any tigers left but now the number of tigers is increasing and I would like to thank all the officers and the people working in the forest. I would like to congratulate them for their hard work," the Forest Minister told ANI.

"I have complete trust that in the coming time, be it Sariska or Ranthambore or any other tiger reserves in the state, we will continue to receive this happy news," he added.

In a post on X, he said, "Baby Boom in Sariska! The tiger population touches 40. Tigress ST22 gives birth to four cubs. In Sariska Tiger Conservation history post reintroduction in 2008, a Tigress camera trapped with four cubs for the second time after ST12."

In another post, Sharma said, "Exciting news from Sariska Tiger Reserve! Tigress ST 12's fourth cub is spotted on camera Trap, adding to the three cubs seen earlier in March. These milestones highlight successful breeding efforts, bringing the total population to 11 males, 14 females and 11 cubs. This is the first time in Sariska's history that any tiger has given birth to four cubs after Tiger Reintroduction."

Sharma also congratulated Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and praised him for his work towards the conservation of wildlife after assuming power.

Taking to X, CM Bhajanlal Sharma said, "Welcome new guests to Sariska. There has been a major increase in the number of tigers in Sariska. Now, the number of tigers has reached 40. Along with this, tigress "ST22" has given birth to four cubs, while the fourth cub of Sariska tigress "ST 12" was captured in the camera trap..."

He added, "In the history of Sariska Tiger Reserve, after the re-introduction of tigers in 2008, for the first time tigress "ST12" gave birth to four cubs and the second tigress "ST22" has also been captured in a camera trap with four cubs. Our government is fully committed to the conservation of the Tiger, a symbol of speed and power, and to maintaining a balanced ecosystem for them."

(ANI)

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