Tiger population booms in India

"The number of tigers has increased significantly. Over 50 adults have been identified for the first time," Dr Parag Madhukar Dhakate, Conservator of Forests, Western Circle, told media. A good number of cubs were also counted but officials requested that the numbers be not disclosed. "All tigers and cubs were healthy. It projects a good prey-predator ratio," Dhakate said. The western circle spreads over 2,573.6 sq km (from Haldwani to Ramnagar) comprising 60 per cent natural forests and 40 per cent plantations.