PATNA: Chief minister Nitish Kumar named the four cubs born to tigress Sarita at Patna zoo as Magadh, Vikram, Kesari and Rani on the occasion of International Tiger Day on Friday.
Announcing the names of the new cubs at a function, environment and forest minister Neeraj Kumar Singh appreciated the management of the zoo for ensuring survival of the all the four cubs contrary to the usual observation of high infant mortality in these wild animals.
The cubs, born to tigress Sarita about two months ago, were under strict observation of the zoo staff. One of these cubs, Rani, is female.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister said the number of tigers in the country as well as the state was on rise in the recent years. “India accounts for around 70% of total tiger population in the world,” he added.
Highlighting the enrichment of biodiversity at Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) at Valmikinagar, the minister said the grasslands developed by the government has resulted in increase in the number of several wild species like python, beer, leopard and deer there. Grassland as natural habitat helps in survival of herbivorous wild animals which are the main prey of tigers and other carnivorous thriving in any natural or reserve forests. “The number of tigers in VTR in the 2018 census was 31. The result of the recent census carried out few months ago through scientific method is likely to come out soon. It is believed that there are at least 48 tigers at VTR,” he added.
Hundreds of cameras are installed in the VTR for technically observing the movement of wild animals, including tigers, python and leopard, the minister said, adding check on hunting and development of grasslands helped VTR maintain eco-system and support biodiversity. “The forest and environment department has proposed to develop another tiger reserve at Kaimur where locals had sighted a tiger in the dense forests. The government has already accepted the proposal in principle. The state government has also initiated several other projects too for promoting eco-tourism,” the minister said.
Several schoolchildren participated in the event at the zoo. They were seen carrying placards with a message to save tiger.
