In a thrilling encounter for wildlife enthusiasts, a Royal Bengal tiger cub has been spotted in the forests of Chongay, located approximately 8 kilometers from Gangtok, Sikkim. The sighting took place on Tuesday afternoon when a local student, while returning home from school, unexpectedly came across the young cub near the forest’s edge.
Reacting quickly, the student took a photograph of the cub and shared it with his father, who promptly alerted local authorities. Tenzing Norbu Lamtha, the area’s MLA and advisor to the Forest Department, joined forest officials to assess the situation. Unfortunately, by the time the team arrived, the cub had already retreated deeper into the undergrowth.
Efforts to locate the cub continued on Wednesday, but it remained elusive. When contacted, the Shyari MLA confirmed that officials had investigated the sighting but failed to find the animal. Local residents were put on alert following the sighting, and forest authorities were dispatched to gather further information and take necessary action.
The sighting occurred within the Eastern Himalayan Subtropical Broadleaf Forest, a rich ecosystem teeming with oak, bamboo, and evergreen vegetation, known for supporting apex predators like the Royal Bengal tiger due to its plentiful prey base. Observers noted that the cub appeared healthy, curious, and alert, briefly watching passersby before disappearing into the dense foliage. This encounter has generated excitement among the local community and wildlife officials, especially considering the rarity of tiger sightings in the region.
This incident marks the latest in a series of tiger sightings in Sikkim. In May 2024, camera traps successfully captured images of an adult Royal Bengal tiger in a reserve forest about 25 kilometers from Gangtok. That discovery had sparked conversations about the possibility of establishing tiger movement corridors and expanding habitats across Sikkim’s eastern ranges.
In light of this recent sighting, forest officials have initiated an investigation. The presence of a cub suggests the potential existence of a female tiger nearby, indicating possible breeding activity-an encouraging development for conservation efforts in the area. Residents are advised to stay vigilant while navigating forested areas and report any further wildlife sightings. Meanwhile, conservationists are optimistic about this sighting, viewing it as a positive sign of ecological health and wildlife activity in Sikkim’s diverse natural landscapes.
Original Source: https://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/royal-bengal-tiger-cub-spotted-near-gangtok
Category:
Tags:
Publish Date:
