Ranthambore tiger count reaches 77 as Riddhi spotted with cubs

Jaipur: Ranthambore Tiger Reserve's tiger population has reached 77 after tigress RBT-124, popularly known as Riddhi, was sighted with cubs in the Nal Ghati area of Zone 2, forest officials said Saturday.

While the forest department has officially confirmed the presence of one cub, field staff and tourists who spotted the tigress during a morning safari reported seeing two or more cubs. Officials said the possibility of additional cubs has not been ruled out and monitoring is underway.

“Forest teams are continuously monitoring the tigress and her cub to ensure their safety and protection,” said Ranthambore Tiger Reserve First DFO Manas Singh.

Born in late 2018, Riddhi is the daughter of Arrowhead (T-84), granddaughter of Krishna (T-19) and great-granddaughter of the legendary Machli (T-16), one of Ranthambore's most celebrated tigresses. Over the years, Riddhi established dominance over the lake territories of Zones 3 and 4 and now occupies the Padam Lake, Rajbagh and Malik Talab landscape.

The latest sighting marks Riddhi's third recorded litter. Her first litter did not survive, while she later successfully raised three cubs. Forest officials said she has emerged as one of Ranthambore's most productive breeding tigresses.

“The cubs appeared to be around two to three months old and were in good health. Their movements are being closely monitored by the department,” a forest staff member said.

The tigress was first spotted with the cubs by tourists during a safari, after which the forest department verified the sighting.

The development is being seen as a positive sign for tiger conservation in Ranthambore. According to the latest figures, the reserve is home to 23 tigresses, 25 tigers and 29 cubs, taking the total tiger population to 77.