Tiger cub separates from mother in Corbett

TUESDAY, 29 NOVEMBER 2011 00:23 RAJENDRA S MARKUNA | HALDWANI HITS: 102 A tiger cub, which was separated from its mother a few days ago in the Dhikala zone of the Corbett Tiger Reserve, now has to fight it out alone. Foresters have been closely monitoring the movements of the tiger cub. Corbett officials initially believed that the cub had not separated from the mother. But since it was not certain, movement of the general public and tourists was restricted in the area where the tiger cub was found. Wildlife experts are of the view that wild animals desert their cubs at certain age of their lives to enable them to learn to survive in tougher wild environs. Some others have stated that the mother and the cub are living together in the area. It seems the cub is still with its mother in Dhikala zone of the Corbett Tiger Reserve, though it is a bit weak, said Anil Balooni, vice president, State forest and environment advisory committee, while talking to The Pioneer. The officials are keeping an eye on the tiger cub's movements and efforts are being made to ensure food arrangements for the cub in one of the most visited zone of the Corbett Tiger Reserve. When contacted UC Tiwari, park warden, Corbett Tiger Reserve, told The Pioneer that it seems the tiger cub is not separated from its mother and is still with her. But nothing is clear yet. "Whatever may be the case, we have been closely monitoring the movements of the tiger cub. Efforts are on to feed the tiger cub." Since it is a very sensitive matter and it is not clear whether the tiger cub is separated or still under the mother's care, more external intervention can't be employed to rescue the tiger cub, maintained the wildlife experts. We can't lift the tiger cub at this juncture as it is not certain that the tiger cub is totally separated, informed Tiwari. In the meantime to ensure minimum human intervention in this hitherto highly reserved wildlife sanctuary, the CTR administration has restricted the movements of the tourists /visitors in the Sambhar Road of the Dhikala zone . The restrictions would continue for some time the park warden said. The famous Dhikala zone of the CTR has been opened to public from November 15. Since then hundreds of tourists from different parts of the country and abroad have visited this tourist spot. It was the tourists who informed the foresters about the movements of the aforesaid tiger cub on the Sambhar road alone. http://www.dailypioneer.com/nation/23992-tiger-cub-separates-from-mother-in-corbett.html