As Zeenat & cubs shift base, more camera traps follow its movement
Bhubaneswar: As Zeenat and its four cubs move in the northern region of Similipal Tiger Reserve , wildlife authorities have installed more than 20 camera traps within a range of 20 km to keep an eye on the tigress .
The cubs were born in Similipal south region, a deep core area. But the north region is a mix of core and some buffer zones. All four cubs are healthy, according to wildlife authorities.
“We have a two-pronged approach to monitor the tigress and its offsprings — radio collar signals and camera trap images. We are also very cautious and careful so as not to distress the animal during the process of monitoring. From our assessment, we can say the tigress is taking good care of its offsprings,” said Ramesh Kumar , deputy director (Similipal north).
Wildlife officials also said it is quite tricky for the mother now to hunt for itself, leaving behind its cubs, as there is fear the cubs might come under attack from other predators in its absence.
Wildlife officials said the cubs are not able to walk and Zeenat is required to keep relocating each time she perceives danger to her offsprings.
“Zeenat is on constant vigil to ensure the survival of the cubs,” a wildlife official said.
It has been two weeks since wildlife authorities found camera trap evidence of Zeenat having given birth to four cubs. At least 7-8 weeks are required for the cubs to stand and walk on their own, the official added.
The cubs were born in Similipal south region, a deep core area. But the north region is a mix of core and some buffer zones. All four cubs are healthy, according to wildlife authorities.
“We have a two-pronged approach to monitor the tigress and its offsprings — radio collar signals and camera trap images. We are also very cautious and careful so as not to distress the animal during the process of monitoring. From our assessment, we can say the tigress is taking good care of its offsprings,” said Ramesh Kumar , deputy director (Similipal north).
Wildlife officials also said it is quite tricky for the mother now to hunt for itself, leaving behind its cubs, as there is fear the cubs might come under attack from other predators in its absence.
Wildlife officials said the cubs are not able to walk and Zeenat is required to keep relocating each time she perceives danger to her offsprings.
“Zeenat is on constant vigil to ensure the survival of the cubs,” a wildlife official said.
It has been two weeks since wildlife authorities found camera trap evidence of Zeenat having given birth to four cubs. At least 7-8 weeks are required for the cubs to stand and walk on their own, the official added.
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