With the death of two tigers in Sariska and Ranthambhore, forest officials are keeping their fingers crossed about the well being of tiger ST-5 in Sariska. The tigress that had been missing since over a month, has opened a Pandora's box for the forest department, wildlife lovers and various conservation agencies.

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The first question posed by conservationists is about the routine patrolling and tracking of tigers by the forest staff. “If a tigress is not seen for so long, or has even not been seen for a few days, shouldn't that ring bells in the department. Especially when the missing tigress is from Sariska. In the 2005 debacle also, tigers started going missing in the same fashion,” a conservationist requesting anonymity said.

“When the animal is not seen, the department should form a team and track the animal on the basis of its pugmarks from the last known location,” he added.

Another conservationist associated with Sariska said: “There are a lot of pressures and issues when it comes to conservation works in Sariska. Also tracking the tiger in a jungle is like looking for a needle in a haystack. But yes when a tiger goes missing some steps should be taken.”

However, not everyone is disheartened and are keeping their hopes alive. “There is a possibility that the feline might have gone to a secure location to give birth to a litter as she was seen mating a few months ago. Although this is an unusual time to give birth as tigers general mate and give birth in winters. If indeed it has given birth and is alright, we should see her in a week or two as tigresses normally bring the cubs out of their den in 40 days to two months time,” said Tejvir Singh, retired IFS. The next few days are surely going to be tough for the forest department in anticipation of mystery that surrounds ST-5.

Tiger trail

The tigress that had been missing since over a month, has opened a Pandora’s box for the forest department, wildlife lovers and various conservation agencies. The first question posed by conservationists is about the routine patrolling and tracking of tigers by the forest staff.