Three tiger cubs have died in different parts of Uttarakhand in the last two days, taking the death toll so far this year to 17 — up from the seven recorded last year. Alarmed wildlife authorities have sought immediate submission of postmortem reports to shore up conservation plans.

On Tuesday, the bodies of a male and a female cub were found in Kilpura range of Terai east forest division. Another female cub was found dead in Dhela range of Corbett Tiger Reserve on Wednesday night.

According to forest department officials, the cubs might have been separated from their mothers and succumbed to the cold conditions. But officials are not ruling out any possibilities.

Uttarakhand chief wildlife warden SS Sharma said, “I have asked forest officials to submit the postmortem report to me at the earliest. After analysing the reasons for these deaths, I will be in a better position to frame a plan of action for conservation.”

Earlier this month, HT had reported the rise in tiger deaths in the state. Rajendra Agarwal, state head of the Wildlife Protection Society of India, said, “It’s surprising that within two days, three tiger cubs have died… If it continues, we could face an alarming situation.”

http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NorthIndia/Three-tiger-cubs-dead-in-two-days-toll-17/Article1-782995.aspx

Lone surviving female cub dies

KANPUR: The lone surviving female cub died on Wednesday night. Nearly after six and a half months of birth, the cub, born to tigress Trusha and tiger Abhay died. Two other cubs had died earlier.

A male tiger cub had died on October 2. The second death took place on November 13 when a female tiger cub died. The last cub, also a female, was suffering from renal diseases.

On May 30, tigress Trusha had given birth to three cubs, two females and one male in Kanpur zoo. But the cubs could not survive.

The zoo veterinarians had also consulted Daya Shanker, head, parasitology department, Mathura Veterinary University. A few other veterinarians were also consulted but the ailing cub could not be saved.