Tiger breeding boom in UP's Pilibhit Reserve, 22 cubs spotted in 7 months

Bareilly,UPDATED: Jul 2, 2026 22:46 IST

As many as 22 tiger cubs have been sighted in different parts of the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve over the past seven months, forest officials said on Thursday, pointing to healthy breeding in the protected forest.

Chief Conservator of Forests PP Singh said tiger cubs are not officially counted during tiger censuses, but forest personnel and safari guides have reported sightings of 20 to 22 cubs across the reserve. Officials said all the cubs are believed to be less than a year old.

During the tourism season from November 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, several tigresses were seen with their cubs in the Mahof, Barahi, Chuka, Mala, Deoria and Haripur ranges. Forest officials said the tigress Naina in the Mahof range and another tigress in the Barahi range were repeatedly spotted with three cubs each.

Cubs were also frequently sighted in the Chuka and Bhimtal areas, attracting the attention of tourists. In one such instance, two cubs were seen climbing a tree near the Chuka picnic spot, and videos and photographs of the sighting later went viral on social media.

Earlier in the tourism season, a cub ran towards a safari vehicle. In May, bookings at the Chuka tree huts had to be suspended for a few days after two cubs were spotted beneath the facility, leading to precautionary measures.

Safari guides have also reported evidence of 11 cubs in the Barahi and Mahof ranges and another 11 in the Mala, Deoria and Haripur ranges.

Wildlife experts said tiger cubs usually become independent and establish their own territories at around two-and-a-half years of age, making survival in the early years critical. The last tiger estimation recorded 79 adult tigers in the reserve, while cubs are not included in the official census.

Forest officials said the rise in cub sightings reflects successful breeding and suggests that conservation measures in the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve are yielding positive results, while also increasing its appeal as a wildlife tourism destination.

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