Tiger cub rescued near in Ooty; search on for another

UDAGAMANDALAM: Forest department officials rescued a stranded tiger cub near Ooty on Monday and are continuing an intensive search for another cub that remains missing.Local farmers spotted two cubs wandering in agricultural fields in the Alagarmalai area of the Aramby section in the Ooty north range and alerted the forest department.Acting on the instructions of north range officer Ram Prakash, a special team was sent to monitor the area. The team rescued a five-month-old female cub.Officials said the cub was under medical observation and receiving care from veterinarians. They added that after approval from higher authorities, the cub would be rehabilitated and released into the forest. Tiger numbers in the Nilgiri region have nearly doubled over the past seven years, rising from 34 in 2018 to 63 in 2024.Despite this increase, the species continues to face threats, including territorial conflict. In 2023, ten tigers, including six cubs, died of various causes. In response, the forest department has strengthened monitoring and protection measures in the region.