A Royal Bengal Tiger has been confirmed in the Khara forest of Paonta Sahib in Himachal Pradesh, after a trap camera recorded the big cat's movement on June 18. The development has put forest departments in both Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand on high alert, with officials now working to determine whether this is the same tiger that went missing from Rajaji National Park roughly a year ago.
Camera Trap Catches the Tiger, Claw Marks Found on Nearby Trees
The tiger's movement was captured on June 18 by a trap camera fixed to a tree in Khara Block, Paonta Sahib. The video footage provided clear confirmation of the animal's presence in the area. Forest officials also found claw marks on trees near the camera trap, suggesting the tiger has been frequenting the forest for at least two to three days. The gender of the tiger has not yet been determined.
Could This Be the Tiger That Vanished From Rajaji National Park?
Forest officials said it is possible this is the same tiger that disappeared from Rajaji National Park in Uttarakhand approximately a year ago. Khara is roughly 80 kilometres from Rajaji National Park, and officials noted that a tiger covering that distance and crossing state lines is entirely plausible. The Rajaji National Park administration has been informed of the sighting, and their team is expected to travel to Khara shortly.
More Camera Traps Deployed, Shepherds and Villagers Alerted
Paonta Sahib forest officials said the number of camera traps in the area has been increased to closely track the tiger's movements. Teams from both Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are jointly monitoring the animal. Gaddi shepherds who graze their flocks in the forest have also been warned to stay vigilant. A local resident named Jagat confirmed that tiger sightings had been reported in the area on earlier occasions as well, though no digital evidence was available at those times.
Local Leader Calls the Sighting a Joyful Moment for Wildlife
Local leader Charanjit Singh described the appearance of India's national animal in Khara forest as a moment of immense joy for wildlife enthusiasts. He called the tiger a rare and precious wild animal for this region. Singh noted that the country's Prime Minister is deeply aware and serious about wildlife protection, particularly regarding tigers. He added that the remote area of Khara has now become a topic of discussion across the state and the country, and that the government and forest department are keeping continuous watch, with positive outcomes expected soon. He urged villagers and panchayat representatives to support the forest department and follow the guidelines issued by it. Singh emphasised that there is no need to fear wild animals but that staying alert and cautious is essential. The forest department also held a meaningful meeting with villagers and panchayat representatives at the Forest Rest House in Khara to discuss the matter.
Snow Leopard Spotted at Great Himalayan National Park After Six Years
In another encouraging wildlife development from Himachal Pradesh, a snow leopard was recorded on a camera trap last week at the Great Himalayan National Park in Kullu district. The sighting took place at an altitude of 3,000 to 3,500 metres above sea level. This is the first recorded presence of a snow leopard in the park in approximately six years, a development being viewed as a significant milestone for wildlife conservation efforts in the region.
