In July 2019 India had reasons to cheer after the Prime Minister announced the All India Tiger Estimation results of 2018. In four years, India had seen an increase of 700 of these big cats. But with the growth in tiger population, bigger challenges now face the forest departments. On October 13, a 4-day operation by the Karnataka Forest department led to the capture of a young tiger from around the Bandipur Tiger Reserve. The tiger had been tormenting villagers, by killing 2 people and over a dozen cattle. 6 veterinarians, multiple teams and forest department elephants identified the tiger using camera traps and pug marks and managed to tranquilise it. But while the department has been lauded for capturing the big cat, the problems are bigger than that.&nbsp;

After India hit an all-time low of 1400 tiger in the 2006-2007 period, concerted efforts by conservation activists, forest departments and the government led to a healthy increase in big cat numbers. In 2014 India reported figures of 2226 and a 33% increase on that in 2018 with 2967 big cats. Tigers are extremely territorial animals and require an average of 10-12sqkm area, depending on the prey population. There are over 130 tigers in Bandipur Tiger Reserve that is spread across 912sqkm. With territories shrinking, the tigers are venturing into villages and hamlets.

'Man-animal conflict is a serious issue right now. Karnataka has been a successful state in the country with tiger numbers going up. A census report came this August. Every four years we see a 30% rise in Karnataka. With 524 tigers in Karnataka and forest areas largely remaining the same the issue(of man-animal conflict) is bound to exist. The tigers are safe inside and keep breeding. But the young tigers have to come out as stronger ones are inside and the young should find their own territory. Yes, there are issues of tigers spilling out. Though we have adjoining forest areas where the tiger can venture, every sanctuary has a saturation point and man-animal conflict is going to increase seriously in the future' says Sanjai Mohan, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests(Wildlife), Karnataka.&nbsp;

Joseph Hoover, a conservationist who was part of the tiger capture operation in Bandipur says villagers have reported multiple sightings of tigers in the last few months. 'At this point in time, there are far too many tigers in Bandipur and Nagarahole. These forest areas cannot hold that many tigers. This way we are seeing so many tigers come out of their territory because there is no space. A tiger that has already established territory will not let another tiger come in. In Nagarhole, problems are bigger than Bandipur. Tigers are venturing into hamlets and that is an issue. Every week we hear stories about tigers venturing into someone farm and this is becoming worrisome. Are we prepared to capture them? Do we have the right equipment? Are we mentally, physically and technologically prepared for it?' questions Hoover.&nbsp;

India is believed to be home to 60% of the global tiger population and Karnataka has the second-highest population in the country with 524 tigers. Villagers have also highlighted the worsening of the problem due to forest fires, that devoured close to 11,000 acres in Bandipur this year alone. 'I was there when the tiger was captured. Villagers came up to us and said another tiger and a cub were spotted in another area. How do you keep them inside the forest area? You cannot obviously keep everything fenced like how they have done in Kruger National Park. This is where the challenge lies. That is why we told the forest dept that we should be better prepared. We saw the on-ground realities. We knew the tiger was close by, but we couldn't identify where it was. Had we had the thermal imagery facility we could have identified where the tiger was and tranquilised it on the second day. Lack of equipment was the issue.' says Hoover

The change big cat behaviour has also been a cause of concern. Tigers are extremely shy animals and have traditionally known to stay away from human habitats. But the tiger that was captured was not only sighted frequently villagers in farms but had also killed two farmers. In one incident, it had stayed in the bushes near the deceased farmer, despite villagers creating a ruckus to chase it away. 'Tiger is a very shy animal but in this case, it was a very bold animal that could look into your eyes. It is a male in its prime and we don't know why it took to killing humans. One theory is when it was trying to kill the cattle the humans might have come in the way.' says Hoover.&nbsp;

But the forest department says that the situation is yet to reach alarming levels. While the man-eater's behaviour has been odd considering it is a young tiger that is uninjured, it could just be an aberration. 'The tiger still wants to live deep in the forest and live on natural prey. Bandipur has around 130 tigers, but only 1 tiger has shown this behaviour. But issues are there. As tiger numbers increase they need independent area and this problem will increase.' says Sanjai Mohan.&nbsp;

Over 120 villages are in close proximity of the Bandipur forest area, but this is only in Karnataka. Bandipur is adjoined by BTR Tiger Reserve, Nagarahole, Madumalai, Sathyamangalam and Wayanad that form the Nilgiri Ecosphere with a dense population of the big cats. So what is the solution to the issue? The National Tiger Conservation Authority has repeatedly asked for buffer zones to be increased, but state governments have not made any real progress on that front. 'As far as tigers are concerned, the barricades are unable to stop them. But right now the situation is not alarming. But in the future when the situation worsens we have to see. The way forward is to have many rescue centres, where the captured tigers can feel at home. In a zoo, it is confined to a very small place. It is better to have areas in the forests that can be earmarked and fenced where we can place tigers exhibiting such behaviour.' says Sanjai Mohan.

In July 2019 India had reasons to cheer after the Prime Minister announced the All India Tiger Estimation results of 2018. In four years, India had seen an increase of 700 of these big cats.

In July 2019 India had reasons to cheer after the Prime Minister announced the All India Tiger Estimation results of 2018. In four years, India had seen an increase of 700 of these big cats. But with the growth in tiger population, bigger challenges now face the forest departments. On October 13, a 4-day operation by the Karnataka Forest department led to the capture of a young tiger from around the Bandipur Tiger Reserve. The tiger had been tormenting villagers, by killing 2 people and over a dozen cattle. 6 veterinarians, multiple teams and forest department elephants identified the tiger using camera traps and pug marks and managed to tranquilise it. But while the department has been lauded for capturing the big cat, the problems are bigger than that. After India hit an all-time low of 1400 tiger in the 2006-2007 period, concerted efforts by conservation activists, forest departments and the government led to a healthy increase in big cat numbers. In 2014 India reported figures of 2226 and a 33% increase on that in 2018 with 2967 big cats. Tigers are extremely territorial animals and require an average of 10-12sqkm area, depending on the prey population. There are over 130 tigers in Bandipur Tiger Reserve that is spread across 912sqkm. With territories shrinking, the tigers are venturing into villages and hamlets. 'Man-animal conflict is a serious issue right now. Karnataka has been a successful state in the country with tiger numbers going up. A census report came this August. Every four years we see a 30% rise in Karnataka. With 524 tigers in Karnataka and forest areas largely remaining the same the issue(of man-animal conflict) is bound to exist. The tigers are safe inside and keep breeding. But the young tigers have to come out as stronger ones are inside and the young should find their own territory. Yes, there are issues of tigers spilling out. Though we have adjoining forest areas where the tiger can venture, every sanctuary has a saturation point and man-animal conflict is going to increase seriously in the future' says Sanjai Mohan, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests(Wildlife), Karnataka. Joseph Hoover, a conservationist who was part of the tiger capture operation in Bandipur says villagers have reported multiple sightings of tigers in the last few months. 'At this point in time, there are far too many tigers in Bandipur and Nagarahole. These forest areas cannot hold that many tigers. This way we are seeing so many tigers come out of their territory because there is no space. A tiger that has already established territory will not let another tiger come in. In Nagarhole, problems are bigger than Bandipur. Tigers are venturing into hamlets and that is an issue. Every week we hear stories about tigers venturing into someone farm and this is becoming worrisome. Are we prepared to capture them? Do we have the right equipment? Are we mentally, physically and technologically prepared for it?' questions Hoover. India is believed to be home to 60% of the global tiger population and Karnataka has the second-highest population in the country with 524 tigers. Villagers have also highlighted the worsening of the problem due to forest fires, that devoured close to 11,000 acres in Bandipur this year alone. 'I was there when the tiger was captured. Villagers came up to us and said another tiger and a cub were spotted in another area. How do you keep them inside the forest area? You cannot obviously keep everything fenced like how they have done in Kruger National Park. This is where the challenge lies. That is why we told the forest dept that we should be better prepared. We saw the on-ground realities. We knew the tiger was close by, but we couldn't identify where it was. Had we had the thermal imagery facility we could have identified where the tiger was and tranquilised it on the second day. Lack of equipment was the issue.' says Hoover The change big cat behaviour has also been a cause of concern. Tigers are extremely shy animals and have traditionally known to stay away from human habitats. But the tiger that was captured was not only sighted frequently villagers in farms but had also killed two farmers. In one incident, it had stayed in the bushes near the deceased farmer, despite villagers creating a ruckus to chase it away. 'Tiger is a very shy animal but in this case, it was a very bold animal that could look into your eyes. It is a male in its prime and we don't know why it took to killing humans. One theory is when it was trying to kill the cattle the humans might have come in the way.' says Hoover. But the forest department says that the situation is yet to reach alarming levels. While the man-eater's behaviour has been odd considering it is a young tiger that is uninjured, it could just be an aberration. 'The tiger still wants to live deep in the forest and live on natural prey. Bandipur has around 130 tigers, but only 1 tiger has shown this behaviour. But issues are there. As tiger numbers increase they need independent area and this problem will increase.' says Sanjai Mohan. Over 120 villages are in close proximity of the Bandipur forest area, but this is only in Karnataka. Bandipur is adjoined by BTR Tiger Reserve, Nagarahole, Madumalai, Sathyamangalam and Wayanad that form the Nilgiri Ecosphere with a dense population of the big cats. So what is the solution to the issue? The National Tiger Conservation Authority has repeatedly asked for buffer zones to be increased, but state governments have not made any real progress on that front. 'As far as tigers are concerned, the barricades are unable to stop them. But right now the situation is not alarming. But in the future when the situation worsens we have to see. The way forward is to have many rescue centres, where the captured tigers can feel at home. In a zoo, it is confined to a very small place. It is better to have areas in the forests that can be earmarked and fenced where we can place tigers exhibiting such behaviour.' says Sanjai Mohan.

Growing tiger numbers leads to big cats spilling out of forests in Karnataka

A tiger poacher has been arrested by Assam police with the help of the Indian Army, paramilitary forces and the forest officials. 
 
The accused identified as Sunilal Boro was arrested on Saturday in Bilasipara area of Dhubri district. 
 
"Sunilal Boro, who is related to a tiger poaching case under Panbari Range was apprehended by the Army and Police in Bilasipara area of Dhubri district on October 12," Assam Police informed. 
 
The security forces jointly recovered a pipe of a handmade gun from the homestead of Sunilal Boro in Dwimuguri. 
 
The accused has been put under&nbsp;police custody. 
 
Further investigation is underway.

A tiger poacher has been arrested by Assam police with the help of the Indian Army, paramilitary forces and the forest officials. The accused identified as Sunilal Boro was arrested on Saturday in Bilasipara area of Dhubri district.

A tiger poacher has been arrested by Assam police with the help of the Indian Army, paramilitary forces and the forest officials. The accused identified as Sunilal Boro was arrested on Saturday in Bilasipara area of Dhubri district. "Sunilal Boro, who is related to a tiger poaching case under Panbari Range was apprehended by the Army and Police in Bilasipara area of Dhubri district on October 12," Assam Police informed. The security forces jointly recovered a pipe of a handmade gun from the homestead of Sunilal Boro in Dwimuguri. The accused has been put under police custody. Further investigation is underway.

Tiger poacher arrested in Assam

More than half of the tigers that Thai authorities confiscated in 2016 from an infamous Tiger Temple tourist attraction have died from a viral disease because their immune systems were weakened by inbreeding, media reported.

 
The Buddhist temple west of Bangkok was a tourist destination where visitors took selfies with tigers and bottle-fed cubs until authorities removed its nearly 150 tigers in 2016 in response to global pressure over wildlife trafficking.

 
The confiscated animals were taken to two state-run sanctuaries but it soon became apparent they were susceptible to canine distemper virus, said a senior official from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.

 
"When we took the tigers in, we noted that they had no immune system due to inbreeding," the department's deputy director-general, Prakit Vongsrivattanakul, told the state-owned broadcaster MCOT on the weekend.

 
"We treated them as symptoms came up," Prakit said.

 
Prakit did not give a figure for the number of tigers that had died but public service broadcaster Thai PBS reported that the toll was 86 of the 147 rescued animals.

 
The temple had promoted itself for years as a wildlife sanctuary, but it was eventually investigated for suspected links to wildlife trafficking and animal abuse.

 
Wildlife activists accused the temple's monks of illegally breeding tigers, while some visitors said the animals appeared drugged. The temple denied the accusations.

 
Government officials could not be reached for comment on Sunday.

More than half of the tigers that Thai authorities confiscated in 2016 from an infamous Tiger Temple tourist attraction have died from a viral disease because their immune systems were weakened by inbreeding, media reported.

More than half of the tigers that Thai authorities confiscated in 2016 from an infamous Tiger Temple tourist attraction have died from a viral disease because their immune systems were weakened by inbreeding, media reported. The Buddhist temple west of Bangkok was a tourist destination where visitors took selfies with tigers and bottle-fed cubs until authorities removed its nearly 150 tigers in 2016 in response to global pressure over wildlife trafficking. The confiscated animals were taken to two state-run sanctuaries but it soon became apparent they were susceptible to canine distemper virus, said a senior official from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. "When we took the tigers in, we noted that they had no immune system due to inbreeding," the department's deputy director-general, Prakit Vongsrivattanakul, told the state-owned broadcaster MCOT on the weekend. "We treated them as symptoms came up," Prakit said. Prakit did not give a figure for the number of tigers that had died but public service broadcaster Thai PBS reported that the toll was 86 of the 147 rescued animals. The temple had promoted itself for years as a wildlife sanctuary, but it was eventually investigated for suspected links to wildlife trafficking and animal abuse. Wildlife activists accused the temple's monks of illegally breeding tigers, while some visitors said the animals appeared drugged. The temple denied the accusations. Government officials could not be reached for comment on Sunday.

Scores of tigers rescued from infamous Thai temple have died: Report

The number of tigers in India has increased from 2,226 in 2014 to 2,967 in 2018 and by this India has achieved the target of doubling the wild cat's population four years ahead of the deadline.

Madhya Pradesh saw the highest number of tigers at 526, followed by Karnataka at 524, and Uttarakhand at the third position with 442 tigers. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today released results of the fourth cycle of All India Tiger Estimation in New Delhi. &nbsp;

It is believed some 40,000 tigers lived in India at the time of independence from Britain in 1947. But by 2006 it reached its lowest-recorded figure of 1,411. &nbsp;

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Estimation of Tigers was a mammoth exercise : 
 
1. Survey of 3.8 lakh sqaure Km 
2. Authorities on foot traversed 5.2 lakh square km 
3. 26 K camera traps 
4. 3.5 lakh images were taken out of which 76 K captured Tigers 
 
Union Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/PrakashJavdekar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrakashJavdekar</a> 
 
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InternationalTigerDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#InternationalTigerDay</a> <a href="https://t.co/KBZ5g8idlQ">pic.twitter.com/KBZ5g8idlQ</a>
— PIB India (@PIB_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIB_India/status/1155753546874142720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In 2010, it was decided in St Petersburg that the target of doubling the tiger population would be 2022. But following conservation efforts, India has completed this target four years early. But the estimation of tigers was a mammoth exercise for forest and wildlife officers of India.

The massive surveys are conducted every four years, with the latest census spanning 15 months and using 26,000 camera traps that took almost 350,000 images (out of which 76,000 captured Tigers) &nbsp;across known tiger habitats, Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said at the census release.

Authorities from on foot traversed 5.2 lakh square kilometres to complete the survey.&nbsp;

Images that showed the big cats were analysed using computer programmes to individually identify each creature. Wildlife and forestry officials also scoured 380,000 square kilometres of terrain.

While releasing the report, PM Modi said that with almost 3000 tigers, India has become one of the biggest and most secure habitats. PM Modi further said that it was a moment of pride for the country as it achieved its commitment to the St Petersburg Declaration, of doubling tiger population, much before the 2022 deadline.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

The number of tigers in India has increased from 2,226 in 2014 to 2,967 in 2018 and by this India has achieved the target of doubling the wild cat's population four years ahead of the deadline.

The number of tigers in India has increased from 2,226 in 2014 to 2,967 in 2018 and by this India has achieved the target of doubling the wild cat's population four years ahead of the deadline. Madhya Pradesh saw the highest number of tigers at 526, followed by Karnataka at 524, and Uttarakhand at the third position with 442 tigers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi today released results of the fourth cycle of All India Tiger Estimation in New Delhi. It is believed some 40,000 tigers lived in India at the time of independence from Britain in 1947. But by 2006 it reached its lowest-recorded figure of 1,411. Estimation of Tigers was a mammoth exercise : 1. Survey of 3.8 lakh sqaure Km 2. Authorities on foot traversed 5.2 lakh square km 3. 26 K camera traps 4. 3.5 lakh images were taken out of which 76 K captured Tigers Union Minister @PrakashJavdekar #InternationalTigerDay pic.twitter.com/KBZ5g8idlQ — PIB India (@PIB_India) July 29, 2019 × In 2010, it was decided in St Petersburg that the target of doubling the tiger population would be 2022. But following conservation efforts, India has completed this target four years early. But the estimation of tigers was a mammoth exercise for forest and wildlife officers of India. The massive surveys are conducted every four years, with the latest census spanning 15 months and using 26,000 camera traps that took almost 350,000 images (out of which 76,000 captured Tigers) across known tiger habitats, Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said at the census release. Authorities from on foot traversed 5.2 lakh square kilometres to complete the survey. Images that showed the big cats were analysed using computer programmes to individually identify each creature. Wildlife and forestry officials also scoured 380,000 square kilometres of terrain. While releasing the report, PM Modi said that with almost 3000 tigers, India has become one of the biggest and most secure habitats. PM Modi further said that it was a moment of pride for the country as it achieved its commitment to the St Petersburg Declaration, of doubling tiger population, much before the 2022 deadline. (With inputs from ANI)

How the mammoth tiger census exercise was carried out

Indian wildlife experts have urged the government to be vigilant against poaching of tigers and rhinos after China eased a 25-year ban on the trade of body parts of the animals, and said New Delhi should also raise their concern with Beijing at international fora.

They said the decision by China is likely to result in decline in the population of the animals and has potential "grave and devastating" implications for tiger and rhino conservation in India.

According to media reports, China has partially lifted the ban on the use of tiger bones and rhino horns for medicinal uses. The ban was imposed in 1993 to save the endangered species.

Dipankar Ghose, director-species and landscapes programme at WWF-India Secretariat, said the consequences of such a reversal is likely to adversely affect the population of the two species across the globe.

According to a latest survey, India has 2,226 tigers and 3,500 rhinos are left in both India and Nepal.

"People involved in illegal wildlife trade of tiger bones and rhino horns might target the wild populations in India. Our country, with 60 per cent and 85 per cent of global populations of wild tigers and greater one-horned rhinos respectively, will be under threat of poaching.

"India and other tiger range countries are committed to doubling populations of wild tigers under the ambitious Global Tiger Recovery Programme, and reversal of this ban on commercial trade of tiger bones would have devastating implications on reaching the Tx2 goal," Ghose said.

Tx2 is a 12-year ambition to double wild tiger numbers by 2022, the next year of the tiger.

Ghose said the ban on trade of tiger bones and rhino horns in China had reduced the demand, and as a result there was less pressure on the population of wild tigers and rhinos.

"The Environment Ministry along with the state governments would need to strengthen protection of wild tiger and rhino populations and be vigilant against poaching. It would also need collaboration between enforcement agencies at central and state level for curbing illegal trade in tiger and rhino derivatives," he said.

Gajender K Sharma, another wildlife expert, said China's reversal of the ban has "potential grave implications" for the conservation and welfare of tigers and rhinos in India.

"We urge the Indian government to voice their concern on this matter with the Chinese government via fora like the Global Tiger Forum. We also urge the government to take steps to prevent any poaching incidents that may happen in the future as an impact of this decision," said Sharma, India country director, World Animal Protection.

Elaborating the implications of the Chinese decision, Sharma said this may result in these species being poached in the wild to fuel a renewed demand in products containing body parts of the animals and also enhance the possibility that it may stimulate a demand for these products in India.

"Either way, this relaxation appears to be a retrogressive step that is not in the best interest of tigers and rhinos in India and elsewhere wherever they are found," Sharma added.&nbsp;

Indian wildlife experts have urged the government to be vigilant against poaching of tigers and rhinos after China eased a 25-year ban on the trade of body parts of the animals, and said New Delhi should also raise their concern with Beijing at international fora.

Indian wildlife experts have urged the government to be vigilant against poaching of tigers and rhinos after China eased a 25-year ban on the trade of body parts of the animals, and said New Delhi should also raise their concern with Beijing at international fora. They said the decision by China is likely to result in decline in the population of the animals and has potential "grave and devastating" implications for tiger and rhino conservation in India. According to media reports, China has partially lifted the ban on the use of tiger bones and rhino horns for medicinal uses. The ban was imposed in 1993 to save the endangered species. Dipankar Ghose, director-species and landscapes programme at WWF-India Secretariat, said the consequences of such a reversal is likely to adversely affect the population of the two species across the globe. According to a latest survey, India has 2,226 tigers and 3,500 rhinos are left in both India and Nepal. "People involved in illegal wildlife trade of tiger bones and rhino horns might target the wild populations in India. Our country, with 60 per cent and 85 per cent of global populations of wild tigers and greater one-horned rhinos respectively, will be under threat of poaching. "India and other tiger range countries are committed to doubling populations of wild tigers under the ambitious Global Tiger Recovery Programme, and reversal of this ban on commercial trade of tiger bones would have devastating implications on reaching the Tx2 goal," Ghose said. Tx2 is a 12-year ambition to double wild tiger numbers by 2022, the next year of the tiger. Ghose said the ban on trade of tiger bones and rhino horns in China had reduced the demand, and as a result there was less pressure on the population of wild tigers and rhinos. "The Environment Ministry along with the state governments would need to strengthen protection of wild tiger and rhino populations and be vigilant against poaching. It would also need collaboration between enforcement agencies at central and state level for curbing illegal trade in tiger and rhino derivatives," he said. Gajender K Sharma, another wildlife expert, said China's reversal of the ban has "potential grave implications" for the conservation and welfare of tigers and rhinos in India. "We urge the Indian government to voice their concern on this matter with the Chinese government via fora like the Global Tiger Forum. We also urge the government to take steps to prevent any poaching incidents that may happen in the future as an impact of this decision," said Sharma, India country director, World Animal Protection. Elaborating the implications of the Chinese decision, Sharma said this may result in these species being poached in the wild to fuel a renewed demand in products containing body parts of the animals and also enhance the possibility that it may stimulate a demand for these products in India. "Either way, this relaxation appears to be a retrogressive step that is not in the best interest of tigers and rhinos in India and elsewhere wherever they are found," Sharma added.

Experts fear China lifting ban on tiger, rhino parts may intensify poaching in India

Chayan Kumar Chaudhary flicked through photographs captured on a hidden camera in the jungle, hoping his favourite big cat -- dubbed "selfie tiger" for its love of the limelight -- had made another appearance.

Thousands of camera traps have helped conservationists track Nepal's wild tiger population, which has nearly doubled in recent years as the big cats claw their way back from the verge of extinction.

After a nine-year push to protect tigers, an exhaustive census across 2,700 kilometres (1,700 miles) of Nepal's lowlands completed earlier this year revealed the population has grown from 121 in 2009 to an estimated 235 adult cats today.

On the frontline of the painstaking survey were trained locals like Chaudhary in western Nepal's Bardia National Park where tiger numbers have grown nearly fivefold.

The 25-year-old helped track and record wild tiger movements through the park by scanning images taken by cameras hidden in the jungle's undergrowth.&nbsp;

"It was very exciting when we checked the (memory) cards and found photos of tigers," Chaudhary told AFP.

"It felt like we are part of something big."

Nepal's southern lowlands, home to five national parks, were mapped into grids, each fitted with a pair of camera traps to record any tiger activity.&nbsp;

More than 3,200 of these special camera traps were installed, some by field workers on elephants to navigate the dense jungle.

"It was not an easy process and risky as well," said Man Bahadur Khadka, head of Nepal's department of wildlife and national parks.&nbsp;

These cameras were equipped with sensors that triggered a click whenever any movement or a change in temperature was detected.

Soon the photos started to trickle in: lone tigers walking past, mothers with their playful cubs and the occasional tiger feasting on a fresh kill. And Chaudhary's favourite: a big cat that seemed to enjoy preening in front of the lens.

The census began in November 2017 and by the following March, more than 4,000 images of tigers had been collected.

"We then began analysing the photos," Khadka said. "Just like our fingerprints, tigers have unique stripes. No two tigers are alike."

'Our wealth'&nbsp;

Conservationists say that behind Nepal's success was a strategy to turn tiger-fearing villagers -- who could earn thousands of dollars for poaching a big cat -- into the animal's protectors.

A century ago, Nepal's lush jungles were a playground for the country's rulers and visiting British dignitaries who came to hunt the Royal Bengal tiger.

In 1900, more than 100,000 tigers were estimated to roam the planet. But that fell to a record low of 3,200 globally in 2010.&nbsp;

Nepal's tiger numbers hit rock bottom following the decade-long civil war, which ended in 2006, when poachers ran amok across the southern plains.&nbsp;

In 2009, the government changed tack, enlisting community groups to protect the animals. Hundreds of young volunteers were recruited to guard Nepal's national parks, patrolling against poachers, raising awareness and protecting the natural habitat. &nbsp;

"Tigers are our wealth, we have to protect them," said Sanju Pariyar, 22, who was just a teen when she joined an anti-poaching group.

"People understand that if our tiger and rhino numbers grow, tourists will come and bring opportunities. It is good for us."

Armed with a stick, Pariyar regularly goes out on patrol to search for traps laid by poachers.

The locals have also become informants, alerting park officials if they see anything, or anyone, suspicious.

Nepal has tough punishments for poachers -- up to 15 years in jail and a heavy fine -- and it has recently started a genetic database of its tigers to aid investigations.

In March, police arrested a poacher who had been on the run for five years after being caught with five tiger pelts and 114 kilos (251 pounds) of bones.

The contraband was believed to have been destined for China, a top market for wildlife smugglers, where rare animal parts are used in traditional medicine.

In 2010, Nepal and 12 other countries with tiger populations signed an agreement to double their big cat numbers by 2022. The Himalayan nation is set to be the first to achieve this target.

"If a country like Nepal -- small, least developed, with lots of challenges -- can do it, the others can do it," said Nepal's WWF representative, Ghana Gurung.

But conservationists are aware that rising tiger numbers are also good news for poachers and the lucrative black market they supply with endangered animal parts.

Tiger poaching is difficult to track because unlike with rhinos, nothing of the cat is left behind after it is killed.

"It is now more important than ever to stay vigilant," said national park warden Ashok Bhandari.

Chayan Kumar Chaudhary flicked through photographs captured on a hidden camera in the jungle, hoping his favourite big cat -- dubbed "selfie tiger" for its love of the limelight -- had made another appearance.

Chayan Kumar Chaudhary flicked through photographs captured on a hidden camera in the jungle, hoping his favourite big cat -- dubbed "selfie tiger" for its love of the limelight -- had made another appearance. Thousands of camera traps have helped conservationists track Nepal's wild tiger population, which has nearly doubled in recent years as the big cats claw their way back from the verge of extinction. After a nine-year push to protect tigers, an exhaustive census across 2,700 kilometres (1,700 miles) of Nepal's lowlands completed earlier this year revealed the population has grown from 121 in 2009 to an estimated 235 adult cats today. On the frontline of the painstaking survey were trained locals like Chaudhary in western Nepal's Bardia National Park where tiger numbers have grown nearly fivefold. The 25-year-old helped track and record wild tiger movements through the park by scanning images taken by cameras hidden in the jungle's undergrowth. "It was very exciting when we checked the (memory) cards and found photos of tigers," Chaudhary told AFP. "It felt like we are part of something big." Nepal's southern lowlands, home to five national parks, were mapped into grids, each fitted with a pair of camera traps to record any tiger activity. More than 3,200 of these special camera traps were installed, some by field workers on elephants to navigate the dense jungle. "It was not an easy process and risky as well," said Man Bahadur Khadka, head of Nepal's department of wildlife and national parks. These cameras were equipped with sensors that triggered a click whenever any movement or a change in temperature was detected. Soon the photos started to trickle in: lone tigers walking past, mothers with their playful cubs and the occasional tiger feasting on a fresh kill. And Chaudhary's favourite: a big cat that seemed to enjoy preening in front of the lens. The census began in November 2017 and by the following March, more than 4,000 images of tigers had been collected. "We then began analysing the photos," Khadka said. "Just like our fingerprints, tigers have unique stripes. No two tigers are alike." 'Our wealth' Conservationists say that behind Nepal's success was a strategy to turn tiger-fearing villagers -- who could earn thousands of dollars for poaching a big cat -- into the animal's protectors. A century ago, Nepal's lush jungles were a playground for the country's rulers and visiting British dignitaries who came to hunt the Royal Bengal tiger. In 1900, more than 100,000 tigers were estimated to roam the planet. But that fell to a record low of 3,200 globally in 2010. Nepal's tiger numbers hit rock bottom following the decade-long civil war, which ended in 2006, when poachers ran amok across the southern plains. In 2009, the government changed tack, enlisting community groups to protect the animals. Hundreds of young volunteers were recruited to guard Nepal's national parks, patrolling against poachers, raising awareness and protecting the natural habitat. "Tigers are our wealth, we have to protect them," said Sanju Pariyar, 22, who was just a teen when she joined an anti-poaching group. "People understand that if our tiger and rhino numbers grow, tourists will come and bring opportunities. It is good for us." Armed with a stick, Pariyar regularly goes out on patrol to search for traps laid by poachers. The locals have also become informants, alerting park officials if they see anything, or anyone, suspicious. Nepal has tough punishments for poachers -- up to 15 years in jail and a heavy fine -- and it has recently started a genetic database of its tigers to aid investigations. In March, police arrested a poacher who had been on the run for five years after being caught with five tiger pelts and 114 kilos (251 pounds) of bones. The contraband was believed to have been destined for China, a top market for wildlife smugglers, where rare animal parts are used in traditional medicine. In 2010, Nepal and 12 other countries with tiger populations signed an agreement to double their big cat numbers by 2022. The Himalayan nation is set to be the first to achieve this target. "If a country like Nepal -- small, least developed, with lots of challenges -- can do it, the others can do it," said Nepal's WWF representative, Ghana Gurung. But conservationists are aware that rising tiger numbers are also good news for poachers and the lucrative black market they supply with endangered animal parts. Tiger poaching is difficult to track because unlike with rhinos, nothing of the cat is left behind after it is killed. "It is now more important than ever to stay vigilant," said national park warden Ashok Bhandari.

Crouching tigers, hidden cameras: Nepal counts its big cats

Rupali Meshram from Maharashtra had a near-death experience when she fought with a tiger who saved her goat last week.&nbsp;

Rupali, 23, ran out of her house when she heard her goat scream out of terror as the tiger attacked it. She then picked up a stick and hit the tiger and was then counter-attacked, leaving her with multiple injuries.&nbsp;

If it hadn't been for her mother, who pulled her inside, the situation could have been much worse. The mother also sustained some minor injuries, reports said.&nbsp;

Rupali had injuries on her head, &nbsp;waist, legs, and hands, but they were only superficial and she has been able to make a full recovery.

A doctor who treated her praised her "exemplary courage" in fighting off the tiger but said she was lucky not to have been bitten by the animal. 
&nbsp;

Rupali, 23, ran out of her house when she heard her goat scream out of terror as the tiger attacked it

Rupali Meshram from Maharashtra had a near-death experience when she fought with a tiger who saved her goat last week. Rupali, 23, ran out of her house when she heard her goat scream out of terror as the tiger attacked it. She then picked up a stick and hit the tiger and was then counter-attacked, leaving her with multiple injuries. If it hadn't been for her mother, who pulled her inside, the situation could have been much worse. The mother also sustained some minor injuries, reports said. Rupali had injuries on her head, waist, legs, and hands, but they were only superficial and she has been able to make a full recovery. A doctor who treated her praised her "exemplary courage" in fighting off the tiger but said she was lucky not to have been bitten by the animal.

Maharashtra woman attacks tiger with stick, to save goat

Out of 553 tiger deaths from 2012-2017, over 22 per cent were due to poaching, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Monday.

Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Mahesh Sharma, in a written reply to a question, also said that more than 15 per cent of the deaths were related to seizures.

&quot;Out of 553 tiger deaths from 2012 to 2017, 22.1 per cent were due to poaching while 15.4 per cent were seizures. 62.4 per cent deaths were attributed to natural causes not attributable to poaching,&quot; he said.

In his reply, the minister also enunciated the measures taken by the Union government and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to check the causes of unnatural deaths of tigers in the country, which include using information technology for improved surveillance, and advising states for combing forest floor to check for snares or traps.

&quot;Tiger deaths have to be viewed vis-a-vis recruitment of cubs, annual growth rate of the species, number of adult breedable females dying, besides targeted versus non-targeted poaching. Invoking all these factors, the tiger population in India is ecologically stable,&quot; he said in the reply.&nbsp;

Out of 553 tiger deaths from 2012-2017, over 22 per cent were due to poaching, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Monday

Out of 553 tiger deaths from 2012-2017, over 22 per cent were due to poaching, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Monday. Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Mahesh Sharma, in a written reply to a question, also said that more than 15 per cent of the deaths were related to seizures. "Out of 553 tiger deaths from 2012 to 2017, 22.1 per cent were due to poaching while 15.4 per cent were seizures. 62.4 per cent deaths were attributed to natural causes not attributable to poaching," he said. In his reply, the minister also enunciated the measures taken by the Union government and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to check the causes of unnatural deaths of tigers in the country, which include using information technology for improved surveillance, and advising states for combing forest floor to check for snares or traps. "Tiger deaths have to be viewed vis-a-vis recruitment of cubs, annual growth rate of the species, number of adult breedable females dying, besides targeted versus non-targeted poaching. Invoking all these factors, the tiger population in India is ecologically stable," he said in the reply.

553 tiger deaths from 2012-2017; 22.1% of poaching

A farmer in North East Scotland called the police on Saturday night to rescue him from a tiger who was found in his cowshed.&nbsp;

The farmer discovered the tiger in his shed when he went to check his cow.

On reaching there he was stunned to find the big cat and&nbsp;immediately sent the photographs of the animal to the control room.&nbsp;

Following which several units of the police along with dog handler were sent to the location to catch the tiger.

The officials tried figuring it out if the tiger had eaten any cattle in the cowshed.&nbsp;

After an operation of about 45 minutes, the police negated the claims that they had made earlier.&nbsp;

Initially, the police took over the operation only after confirming that it was a real tiger.&nbsp;

The entire hue and cry ended after they discovered that it was a mere soft toy.&nbsp;

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The soft toy was spotted by a farmer his cowshed

A farmer in North East Scotland called the police on Saturday night to rescue him from a tiger who was found in his cowshed. The farmer discovered the tiger in his shed when he went to check his cow. On reaching there he was stunned to find the big cat and immediately sent the photographs of the animal to the control room. Following which several units of the police along with dog handler were sent to the location to catch the tiger. The officials tried figuring it out if the tiger had eaten any cattle in the cowshed. After an operation of about 45 minutes, the police negated the claims that they had made earlier. Initially, the police took over the operation only after confirming that it was a real tiger. The entire hue and cry ended after they discovered that it was a mere soft toy. ×

Scotland Police conduct 45-minute rescue operation for toy tiger

The new year started on a positive note for Bollywood as Salman starrer&nbsp;&quot;Tiger Zinda Hai&quot;&nbsp;crossed the Rs 250 crore mark on December&nbsp;31, 2017.&nbsp;

The action-thriller gave a much-needed relief to the Hindi film industry after the previous year saw some&nbsp;major, big-budget films flop at the box office.&nbsp;

&quot;Tiger Zinda Hai&quot;&nbsp;completed two successful weekends as director Ali Abbas Zafar&#39;s venture made its way past the Rs 250 cr milestone.&nbsp;

Film-trade analyst Taran Adarsh shared the news on his Twitter profile on the first day of the new year compiling the box-office figures of the film.

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31 Dec - the last day of 2017 - closes with a BIG BANG... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TigerZindaHai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TigerZindaHai</a> has a ROCKING second Sun... Biz witnesses TREMENDOUS GROWTH... [Week 2] Fri 11.56 cr, Sat 14.92 cr, Sun 22.23 cr. Total: ? 254.75 cr. India biz. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TZH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TZH</a>
&mdash; taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) <a href="https://twitter.com/taran_adarsh/status/947744246932545536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Taran also tweeted the major commercial feats that &quot;Tiger Zinda Hai&quot;&nbsp;achieved during the course of its run in theatres.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TigerZindaHai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TigerZindaHai</a>&nbsp;biz at a glance... 
Week 1: ? 206.04 cr 
Weekend 2: ? 48.71 cr 
Total: ? 254.75 cr 
India biz. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TZH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TZH</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TigerZindaHai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TigerZindaHai</a>&nbsp;benchmarks... 
Crossed ? 50 cr: Day 2 
Crossed ? 100 cr: Day 3 
Crossed ? 150 cr: Day 4 
Crossed ? 200 cr: Day 7 
Crossed ? 250 cr: Day 10 
India biz.
&mdash; taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) <a href="https://twitter.com/taran_adarsh/status/947744727184547840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TigerZindaHai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TigerZindaHai</a> nears ? 100 cr mark Overseas... Total after Weekend 2: $ 15.15 mn [? 96.68 cr]... 
USA-Canada: $ 4.573 mn 
UAE-GCC: $ 5.186 mn 
UK: $ 1.675 mn 
RoW: $ 3.716 mn 
Few cinemas yet to report. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TZH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TZH</a>
&mdash; taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) <a href="https://twitter.com/taran_adarsh/status/947802203594440709?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;Tiger Zinda Hai&quot;&nbsp;is the sequel to the 2012 Kabir Khan directorial &quot;Ek Tha Tiger&quot;&nbsp;with the same lead cast, Salman and Katrina. The currently-running film has been produced by Yash Raj Films.

Salman starrer 'Tiger Zinda Hai' completed two successful weekends as posted by noted film-trade analyst Taran Adarsh

The new year started on a positive note for Bollywood as Salman starrer "Tiger Zinda Hai" crossed the Rs 250 crore mark on December 31, 2017. The action-thriller gave a much-needed relief to the Hindi film industry after the previous year saw some major, big-budget films flop at the box office. "Tiger Zinda Hai" completed two successful weekends as director Ali Abbas Zafar's venture made its way past the Rs 250 cr milestone. Film-trade analyst Taran Adarsh shared the news on his Twitter profile on the first day of the new year compiling the box-office figures of the film. 31 Dec - the last day of 2017 - closes with a BIG BANG... #TigerZindaHai has a ROCKING second Sun... Biz witnesses TREMENDOUS GROWTH... [Week 2] Fri 11.56 cr, Sat 14.92 cr, Sun 22.23 cr. Total: ? 254.75 cr. India biz. #TZH — taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) January 1, 2018 × Taran also tweeted the major commercial feats that "Tiger Zinda Hai" achieved during the course of its run in theatres. #TigerZindaHai biz at a glance... Week 1: ? 206.04 cr Weekend 2: ? 48.71 cr Total: ? 254.75 cr India biz. #TZH#TigerZindaHai benchmarks... Crossed ? 50 cr: Day 2 Crossed ? 100 cr: Day 3 Crossed ? 150 cr: Day 4 Crossed ? 200 cr: Day 7 Crossed ? 250 cr: Day 10 India biz. — taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) January 1, 2018 × #TigerZindaHai nears ? 100 cr mark Overseas... Total after Weekend 2: $ 15.15 mn [? 96.68 cr]... USA-Canada: $ 4.573 mn UAE-GCC: $ 5.186 mn UK: $ 1.675 mn RoW: $ 3.716 mn Few cinemas yet to report. #TZH — taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) January 1, 2018 × "Tiger Zinda Hai" is the sequel to the 2012 Kabir Khan directorial "Ek Tha Tiger" with the same lead cast, Salman and Katrina. The currently-running film has been produced by Yash Raj Films.

It's a happy new year for Salman, Katrina as 'Tiger Zinda Hai' crosses Rs 250 crore mark

A tiger escaped from its cage during a circus show in a village in north China&#39;s Shanxi Province Saturday afternoon, creating mass panic among crowds before the animal was captured.

Two children were scratched as the tiger ran riot but were later discharged from the hospital, according to local authorities.

The circus troupe was giving a performance at a temple fair in Shengwang Village of Hongtong County when the tiger suddenly broke out of the cage.

The local public security department together with the forestry department are now investigating the case.

Two children were scratched as the tiger ran riot but were later discharged from the hospital, according to local authorities

A tiger escaped from its cage during a circus show in a village in north China's Shanxi Province Saturday afternoon, creating mass panic among crowds before the animal was captured. Two children were scratched as the tiger ran riot but were later discharged from the hospital, according to local authorities. The circus troupe was giving a performance at a temple fair in Shengwang Village of Hongtong County when the tiger suddenly broke out of the cage. The local public security department together with the forestry department are now investigating the case.

Watch: Tiger escapes from circus show in China

Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, has issued notices to the Centre and wildlife bodies like Wildlife Institute of India, National Board for Wildlife, National Tiger Conservation Authority.

The notices were issued on a PIL seeking a direction to relocate human settlements from reserve forests to save the tiger population in the country.

Filing a PIL, advocate Anupam Tripathi submitted that 41 tigers were killed in 7 months from January to August 9 in the year 2015, as per the data provided by the National Tiger Conservation Authority.

There were 74 tiger deaths reported in the year 2016, the petitioner said while submitting that these wild cats were killed by the locals residing near the reserve forests either due to man-animal conflict or poaching.

It was alleged that the tigers are being indiscriminately, barbarically and monstrously killed either by poisoning by the locals or by the authorities, shooting by the Forest Guards, poaching etc. Thus, tigers are being killed each day in the cruelest fashion.

It was alleged that the tigers are being indiscriminately, barbarically and monstrously killed either by poisoning by the locals or by the authorities, shooting by the Forest Guards, poaching etc

Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, has issued notices to the Centre and wildlife bodies like Wildlife Institute of India, National Board for Wildlife, National Tiger Conservation Authority. The notices were issued on a PIL seeking a direction to relocate human settlements from reserve forests to save the tiger population in the country. Filing a PIL, advocate Anupam Tripathi submitted that 41 tigers were killed in 7 months from January to August 9 in the year 2015, as per the data provided by the National Tiger Conservation Authority. There were 74 tiger deaths reported in the year 2016, the petitioner said while submitting that these wild cats were killed by the locals residing near the reserve forests either due to man-animal conflict or poaching. It was alleged that the tigers are being indiscriminately, barbarically and monstrously killed either by poisoning by the locals or by the authorities, shooting by the Forest Guards, poaching etc. Thus, tigers are being killed each day in the cruelest fashion.

SC issues notices to Centre, wildlife bodies on PIL seeking human relocation from reserve forests

Tiger Woods announced Friday he had lost his battle to be fit for the Masters, saying he was &quot;not tournament ready&quot; for the first major of the year and did not have a timetable for his return.

Woods, whose 14 major titles include four Masters green jackets, has not played since withdrawing from the Dubai Desert Classic on February 3 with ongoing back spasms.

He made his comeback in December after missing all of the 2015-16 season following back surgery.

&quot;Unfortunately, I won&#39;t be competing in this year&#39;s Masters,&quot; Woods said on his website. &quot;I did about everything I could to play, but my back rehabilitation didn&#39;t allow me the time to get tournament ready.

&quot;I&#39;m especially upset because it&#39;s a special anniversary for me that&#39;s filled with a lot of great memories. I can&#39;t believe it&#39;s been 20 years since I won my first green jacket.&quot;

Woods&#39; historic 1997 victory at Augusta National, when he was 21 years old, was a watershed for golf. He became the first black golfer to win a major, the youngest to capture the Masters and he shattered records in winning by 12 strokes with an 18-under par total.

The out-sized triumph fueled &quot;Tigermania&quot; and even as his health woes have piled up and his on-course performances diminished he remains a massive drawing card.

&quot;I have no timetable for my return, but I will continue my diligent effort to recover, and want to get back out there as soon as possible,&quot; said Woods, who added that he would be in Augusta, Georgia, to attend the annual pre-tournament Champions Dinner.

&quot;Augusta National has been a very important place to me and my family for over 20 years, and while I&#39;m disappointed, it will be good to be back there Tuesday,&quot; said Woods, whose last major title came at the 2008 US Open.

(AFP)

Fourteen-time major winner Tiger Woods gave no timetable for his return to competitive golf

Tiger Woods announced Friday he had lost his battle to be fit for the Masters, saying he was "not tournament ready" for the first major of the year and did not have a timetable for his return. Woods, whose 14 major titles include four Masters green jackets, has not played since withdrawing from the Dubai Desert Classic on February 3 with ongoing back spasms. He made his comeback in December after missing all of the 2015-16 season following back surgery. "Unfortunately, I won't be competing in this year's Masters," Woods said on his website. "I did about everything I could to play, but my back rehabilitation didn't allow me the time to get tournament ready. "I'm especially upset because it's a special anniversary for me that's filled with a lot of great memories. I can't believe it's been 20 years since I won my first green jacket." Woods' historic 1997 victory at Augusta National, when he was 21 years old, was a watershed for golf. He became the first black golfer to win a major, the youngest to capture the Masters and he shattered records in winning by 12 strokes with an 18-under par total. The out-sized triumph fueled "Tigermania" and even as his health woes have piled up and his on-course performances diminished he remains a massive drawing card. "I have no timetable for my return, but I will continue my diligent effort to recover, and want to get back out there as soon as possible," said Woods, who added that he would be in Augusta, Georgia, to attend the annual pre-tournament Champions Dinner. "Augusta National has been a very important place to me and my family for over 20 years, and while I'm disappointed, it will be good to be back there Tuesday," said Woods, whose last major title came at the 2008 US Open. (AFP)

Rusty Woods to skip next week's US Masters

The Director of Corbett Tiger Reserve has been removed from his post following a controversy over shoot-at-sight order issued by him in the national park to check the activities of poachers.

Uttrakhand&#39;s chief secretary S Ramaswamy said that Parag Madhukar Dhakate has been replaced by Dheeraj Pandey as Director. 
DVS Khati, the Chief Wildlife Warden, said that Dhakate was not authorised to issue any such order.

Last week, Dhakate had issued shoot-at-sight order and pressed two drones into service after movement of poachers was reported along the southern fringes of the park.

150 forest officials were deployed and a total of 388 camera traps installed at sensitive points within the territory of the park.

Villagers in the area were also informed of the same and were advised to avoid taking animals for grazing to the core areas.

The order, however, raised eyebrows following which Dhakate has been removed from his post. 
 
(PTI)

 
&nbsp;

Parag Madhukar Dhakate was removed from the director's post after his shoot-at-sight order against poachers

The Director of Corbett Tiger Reserve has been removed from his post following a controversy over shoot-at-sight order issued by him in the national park to check the activities of poachers. Uttrakhand's chief secretary S Ramaswamy said that Parag Madhukar Dhakate has been replaced by Dheeraj Pandey as Director. DVS Khati, the Chief Wildlife Warden, said that Dhakate was not authorised to issue any such order. Last week, Dhakate had issued shoot-at-sight order and pressed two drones into service after movement of poachers was reported along the southern fringes of the park. 150 forest officials were deployed and a total of 388 camera traps installed at sensitive points within the territory of the park. Villagers in the area were also informed of the same and were advised to avoid taking animals for grazing to the core areas. The order, however, raised eyebrows following which Dhakate has been removed from his post. (PTI)

Director of India's Tiger Reserve Park removed after shoot-at-sight order

Tiger Woods&#39; long-awaited PGA Tour comeback came to a premature end on Friday after the former world number one missed the cut at the Farmers Insurance Open.

Woods had started the day at Torrey Pines Golf Course needing a low second round score to extend his participation into the weekend after a wayward four-over-par first round 76 on Thursday.

But despite perfect conditions on Torrey Pines&#39; more forgiving North Course, Woods again struggled to generate any momentum, carding a level par 72 which left him four-over after 36 holes.

With the cut line projected at level par, Woods was left revising his plans for the weekend after a disappointing outing in his first PGA Tour event since August 2015.

&quot;It&#39;s frustrating, not being able to have a chance to win the tournament,&quot; Woods told reporters afterwards. &quot;I didn&#39;t make the cut.&quot;

Woods, who now heads to the Gulf for the Omega Dubai Desert Classic next week, took comfort from signs of improvement following his erratic opening round.

&quot;Overall today was a lot better than yesterday. I hit it better, I putted well again,&quot; Woods said.

&quot;I hit a lot of beautiful putts that didn&#39;t go in. But I hit it a lot better today which was nice,&quot; Woods said, adding that he will only get sharper after playing more tournaments.

&quot;Playing tournament golf is a bit different to playing with your buddies in a cart. I need to get more rounds under my belt and more playing time and that&#39;s what I&#39;m trying to do,&quot; he said.

Woods, who played in the unofficial Hero World Challenge invitational last month, is stepping up his comeback with a demanding series of tournaments as he targets April&#39;s Masters at Augusta.

But the 41-year-old could only reflect on a frustrating outing at Torrey Pines, the picturesque coastal course nestling against the Pacific Ocean just outside San Diego where he has won no fewer than eight times.

Teeing off on the 10th, Woods got off to a perfect start with a birdie on the opening hole to drop to three over.

But a bogey on his third hole of the day stunted any hopes of a birdie spree, and he battled his way around the remainder of the front nine with six pars and few real birdie chances.

The writing was on the wall after a bogey on his 12th hole, the par-three third, to drift out to five over. He pulled a shot back with a birdie on the par-five fifth, but it was too little too late.

Woods was not the only high-profile casualty on Friday, with world number one Jason Day and world number three Dustin Johnson also finishing outside the cut line.

(AFP)

The former world number one said he was 'frustrated' he was unable to generate any momentum at the Farmers Insurance Open

Tiger Woods' long-awaited PGA Tour comeback came to a premature end on Friday after the former world number one missed the cut at the Farmers Insurance Open. Woods had started the day at Torrey Pines Golf Course needing a low second round score to extend his participation into the weekend after a wayward four-over-par first round 76 on Thursday. But despite perfect conditions on Torrey Pines' more forgiving North Course, Woods again struggled to generate any momentum, carding a level par 72 which left him four-over after 36 holes. With the cut line projected at level par, Woods was left revising his plans for the weekend after a disappointing outing in his first PGA Tour event since August 2015. "It's frustrating, not being able to have a chance to win the tournament," Woods told reporters afterwards. "I didn't make the cut." Woods, who now heads to the Gulf for the Omega Dubai Desert Classic next week, took comfort from signs of improvement following his erratic opening round. "Overall today was a lot better than yesterday. I hit it better, I putted well again," Woods said. "I hit a lot of beautiful putts that didn't go in. But I hit it a lot better today which was nice," Woods said, adding that he will only get sharper after playing more tournaments. "Playing tournament golf is a bit different to playing with your buddies in a cart. I need to get more rounds under my belt and more playing time and that's what I'm trying to do," he said. Woods, who played in the unofficial Hero World Challenge invitational last month, is stepping up his comeback with a demanding series of tournaments as he targets April's Masters at Augusta. But the 41-year-old could only reflect on a frustrating outing at Torrey Pines, the picturesque coastal course nestling against the Pacific Ocean just outside San Diego where he has won no fewer than eight times. Teeing off on the 10th, Woods got off to a perfect start with a birdie on the opening hole to drop to three over. But a bogey on his third hole of the day stunted any hopes of a birdie spree, and he battled his way around the remainder of the front nine with six pars and few real birdie chances. The writing was on the wall after a bogey on his 12th hole, the par-three third, to drift out to five over. He pulled a shot back with a birdie on the par-five fifth, but it was too little too late. Woods was not the only high-profile casualty on Friday, with world number one Jason Day and world number three Dustin Johnson also finishing outside the cut line. (AFP)

Tiger Woods misses cut in comeback tournament

Tiger Woods said Monday he is confident that his battered 41-year-old body can withstand the rigours of playing in four golf tournaments over the next five weeks.

The 14-time major winner, who returned to golf in December at the Hero World Challenge following a 15-month injury layoff, has committed to a hectic schedule which will see him open his 2017 season at this week&#39;s Farmers Insurance Open in San Diego.

&quot;I have played one time in the last 18 months,&quot; American Woods said during a news conference Monday at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles. &quot;I just need to get in some tournament golf. I am looking forward to it.&quot;&nbsp;

After the Farmers at the Torrey Pines course, Woods will fly off to United Arab Emirates for the Dubai Desert Classic from February 2-5, followed by the Genesis Open at Riviera on February 16-19.&nbsp;

He then travels home to Florida to take part in the Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens (February 23-26).

The Farmers Open will be Woods&#39; first full field tournament since undergoing back surgery in 2015.&nbsp;

Asked if he is physically up to the task with all the injuries he has endured the past several years, Woods said: &quot;That is a concern but I am looking forward to it. I feel I am strong enough to handle the workload.&nbsp;

Ready fo the Masters

&quot;I sat out long enough. I have been on the sidelines so long.&quot;

Woods admitted Monday that he once doubted whether he would ever return to golf.

&quot;There was a time when I didn&#39;t know if I could ever swing a golf club again and play with my kids,&quot; he said.

The former world number one Woods may be far from his top form, but he says he still has his sights set on competing in the majors and his first order of business is the Masters in April.&nbsp;

&quot;I am hoping to get everything right so I can play,&quot; he said. &quot;I am thinking about it (Masters) now.&quot;

Woods has won the PGA Tour&#39;s Torrey Pines tournament seven times in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2013.

&quot;It was the first PGA tournament I went to,&quot; Woods said. &quot;So I got exposed to pro golf there.&quot;

Woods last won a major title at the 2008 US Open at Torrey Pines by beating Rocco Mediate in an epic 19-hole playoff despite playing with a gimpy left knee that later required surgery.

His last PGA title was at the 2013 WGC event in Akron, Ohio.

When he tees it up at historic Riviera in just over three weeks it will be his first appearance in the event in 11 years.

&quot;I have always loved playing this course. I just never played it well,&quot; Woods said. &quot;I played here as a junior, an amateur and a professional. It is special place.&quot;

Last month, Tiger Woods played golf with then-President-elect Donald Trump at Trump International Golf Club in Florida.

Woods described Trump as a big hitter and said the 70-year-old was able to walk the entire 18 holes with him.

&quot;For a person who is 70 he hits it hard,&quot; said Woods. &quot;He keeps himself in pretty good shape. We walked all 18 holes and had a great time.&quot;

Asked if Trump could shoot a score of under 80 at the Riviera course, Woods paused, smiled and said, &quot;Not today. It is too wet out there.&quot;

In addition to finding his form, Woods will be facing in 2017 a new crop of rising young stars such as top ranked Aussie Jason Day, Japanese ace Hideki Matsuyama, four-time major winner Rory McIlroy, eight-time PGA Tour winner Jordan Spieth and the hottest player on the Tour Justin Thomas, who has won three tournaments so far this season.

Woods says he hasn&#39;t lost the fire and passion for the game that made him one of the best of all-time.&nbsp;

&quot;I am very excited about getting the season started. I miss playing and competing,&quot; said Woods, whose 14 major titles is second to only Jack Nicklaus&#39; record of 18.

(AFP)

The 14-time major winner will be looking to play four tourneys in the next five weeks following a 15-month injury layoff

Tiger Woods said Monday he is confident that his battered 41-year-old body can withstand the rigours of playing in four golf tournaments over the next five weeks. The 14-time major winner, who returned to golf in December at the Hero World Challenge following a 15-month injury layoff, has committed to a hectic schedule which will see him open his 2017 season at this week's Farmers Insurance Open in San Diego. "I have played one time in the last 18 months," American Woods said during a news conference Monday at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles. "I just need to get in some tournament golf. I am looking forward to it." After the Farmers at the Torrey Pines course, Woods will fly off to United Arab Emirates for the Dubai Desert Classic from February 2-5, followed by the Genesis Open at Riviera on February 16-19. He then travels home to Florida to take part in the Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens (February 23-26). The Farmers Open will be Woods' first full field tournament since undergoing back surgery in 2015. Asked if he is physically up to the task with all the injuries he has endured the past several years, Woods said: "That is a concern but I am looking forward to it. I feel I am strong enough to handle the workload. Ready fo the Masters "I sat out long enough. I have been on the sidelines so long." Woods admitted Monday that he once doubted whether he would ever return to golf. "There was a time when I didn't know if I could ever swing a golf club again and play with my kids," he said. The former world number one Woods may be far from his top form, but he says he still has his sights set on competing in the majors and his first order of business is the Masters in April. "I am hoping to get everything right so I can play," he said. "I am thinking about it (Masters) now." Woods has won the PGA Tour's Torrey Pines tournament seven times in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2013. "It was the first PGA tournament I went to," Woods said. "So I got exposed to pro golf there." Woods last won a major title at the 2008 US Open at Torrey Pines by beating Rocco Mediate in an epic 19-hole playoff despite playing with a gimpy left knee that later required surgery. His last PGA title was at the 2013 WGC event in Akron, Ohio. When he tees it up at historic Riviera in just over three weeks it will be his first appearance in the event in 11 years. "I have always loved playing this course. I just never played it well," Woods said. "I played here as a junior, an amateur and a professional. It is special place." Last month, Tiger Woods played golf with then-President-elect Donald Trump at Trump International Golf Club in Florida. Woods described Trump as a big hitter and said the 70-year-old was able to walk the entire 18 holes with him. "For a person who is 70 he hits it hard," said Woods. "He keeps himself in pretty good shape. We walked all 18 holes and had a great time." Asked if Trump could shoot a score of under 80 at the Riviera course, Woods paused, smiled and said, "Not today. It is too wet out there." In addition to finding his form, Woods will be facing in 2017 a new crop of rising young stars such as top ranked Aussie Jason Day, Japanese ace Hideki Matsuyama, four-time major winner Rory McIlroy, eight-time PGA Tour winner Jordan Spieth and the hottest player on the Tour Justin Thomas, who has won three tournaments so far this season. Woods says he hasn't lost the fire and passion for the game that made him one of the best of all-time. "I am very excited about getting the season started. I miss playing and competing," said Woods, whose 14 major titles is second to only Jack Nicklaus' record of 18. (AFP)

Tiger Woods shakes off rust to prepare for Tour grind

&nbsp;A tiger and polar bear in a Siberian zoo made contrasting predictions of the outcome of Tuesday&#39;s US&nbsp;election when invited to choose between pumpkins representing Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.

Female tiger Yunona favoured a pumpkin carved with the image of Clinton, the Democratic nominee, while polar bear Felix opted after some deliberation for one bearing the name of Republican candidate Trump.

&nbsp;

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Felix, a male polar bear, stands near pumpkins with portraits of US presidential nominees Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump as it predicts the result of US presidential election. (Reuters)
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The Royev Ruchey Zoo in Krasnoyarsk, which released a video of the two, said the animals faced a tough choice as the pumpkins had been filled with fresh meat and fish, both favourite treats with Yunona and Felix.

(Reuters)

The animals faced a tough choice as the pumpkins had been filled with fresh meat and fish, both favourite treats

A tiger and polar bear in a Siberian zoo made contrasting predictions of the outcome of Tuesday's US election when invited to choose between pumpkins representing Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Female tiger Yunona favoured a pumpkin carved with the image of Clinton, the Democratic nominee, while polar bear Felix opted after some deliberation for one bearing the name of Republican candidate Trump. Felix, a male polar bear, stands near pumpkins with portraits of US presidential nominees Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump as it predicts the result of US presidential election. (Reuters) × The Royev Ruchey Zoo in Krasnoyarsk, which released a video of the two, said the animals faced a tough choice as the pumpkins had been filled with fresh meat and fish, both favourite treats with Yunona and Felix. (Reuters)

Tiger tips Clinton, bear backs Trump in Siberian zoo's mock vote

Thai wildlife authorities found 40 tiger cub carcasses in a freezer in Thailand&#39;s infamous Tiger Temple on Wednesday as they removed live animals in response to international pressure over suspected trafficking and abuse.

The Buddhist temple in Kanchanaburi province west of Bangkok had become a tourist destination where visitors snapped selfies with bottle-fed cubs.

But the temple has been investigated for suspected links to wildlife trafficking and abuse. A raid that began on Monday is the latest move in a tug-of-war since 2001 to bring the tigers under state control.

Tiger parts are used in traditional Chinese medicine.

The 40 dead tiger cubs were found in a freezer in a kitchen area, said Adisorn Nuchdamrong, deputy director-general of the Department of National Parks.

&quot;They must be of some value for the temple to keep them,&quot; he said. &quot;But for what is beyond me.&quot;

Officials wearing protective masks displayed the bodies of the cubs to media at the temple. Also on display was the body of a Binturong, a protected species commonly known as a bearcat, which the authorities found with the cub carcasses.

Monks at the temple were not immediately available for comment.

Officials have moved 52 live tigers from the temple since Monday, Adisorn said, leaving 85 still there.

Thailand has long been a hub for the illicit trafficking of wildlife and forest products, including ivory. Exotic birds, mammals and reptiles, some of them endangered species, can often be found on sale in markets.

On Tuesday, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals group said the temple was &quot;hell for animals&quot; and called on tourists to stop visiting animal attractions at home and abroad.

Wildlife authorities found 40 tiger cub carcasses in a freezer in Thailand's infamous Tiger Temple on Wednesday as they removed live animals in response to international pressure over suspected trafficking and abuse

Thai wildlife authorities found 40 tiger cub carcasses in a freezer in Thailand's infamous Tiger Temple on Wednesday as they removed live animals in response to international pressure over suspected trafficking and abuse. The Buddhist temple in Kanchanaburi province west of Bangkok had become a tourist destination where visitors snapped selfies with bottle-fed cubs. But the temple has been investigated for suspected links to wildlife trafficking and abuse. A raid that began on Monday is the latest move in a tug-of-war since 2001 to bring the tigers under state control. Tiger parts are used in traditional Chinese medicine. The 40 dead tiger cubs were found in a freezer in a kitchen area, said Adisorn Nuchdamrong, deputy director-general of the Department of National Parks. "They must be of some value for the temple to keep them," he said. "But for what is beyond me." Officials wearing protective masks displayed the bodies of the cubs to media at the temple. Also on display was the body of a Binturong, a protected species commonly known as a bearcat, which the authorities found with the cub carcasses. Monks at the temple were not immediately available for comment. Officials have moved 52 live tigers from the temple since Monday, Adisorn said, leaving 85 still there. Thailand has long been a hub for the illicit trafficking of wildlife and forest products, including ivory. Exotic birds, mammals and reptiles, some of them endangered species, can often be found on sale in markets. On Tuesday, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals group said the temple was "hell for animals" and called on tourists to stop visiting animal attractions at home and abroad.

Dead tiger cubs found in Thai temple amid trafficking fears

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