The Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is fast becoming a favourite destination of poachers. A tigress — mother of four cubs — is reported to be missing from the reserve.

According to sources, the tigress, living in the Katezari area with her four one-and-half-year-old cubs, has not been sighted since the last five days. owever, the forest officials are refusing to accept the fact. Dr Nand Kishore, the chief conservator of forest (Wildlife), maintained that the tigress had just crossed over the reserve boundary and the pug marks indicated that the wild cat was moving towards the reserve.

Poonam Dhanwate of Tiger Research And Conservation Trust, too, seconded the claims. Meanwhile, the cubs, too young to make a kill on their own, are reportedly starving since the last four days.