JAMMU: After almost a century, a tiger has been reportedly sighted in Jammu and Kashmir, enthusing wildlife lovers. It is believed that the tiger has strayed from Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK), thanks to the ceasefire being observed by India and Pakistan along the Line of Control.

Wildlife authorities said they received information about the sighting of the tiger from locals in remote jungles of the Sunderbani belt of Rajouri district which borders the Kotli area of PoK, which is rich in flora and fauna.

The person in charge of wildlife, Nasir A. Kitchloo, said that a team was being sent to Rajouri to confirm the presence of the tiger. He said, "We can only confirm the presence of the tiger when we locate its pugmarks."

Need for proper census

After Independence, whenever a census was conducted, tigers were not found.

In the last 15 years, a proper census could not be conducted as remote jungles were infested by militants.

The ceasefire was announced on November 26, 2003.

Wildlife presence was noticed in many places which did not have even a blade of grass due to heavy shelling.

Days after the ceasefire was announced, a deer was seen along the International Border for the first time in decades. It had come from the neighbouring Sialkot district of Pakistan.

Wildlife experts said tigers inhabited low-altitude areas of PoK adjoining the Jhelum and also along the neighbouring Punjab province of Pakistan. The beasts may have strayed into this side in search of prey.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National

News: Front Page | National | Tamil Nadu | Andhra Pradesh | Karnataka | Kerala | New Delhi | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous | Engagements |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Updates: Breaking News |