Royal Bengal Tiger spotted in N Bengal forests after long time

JALPAIGURI (WB): In news that would bring cheer to wildlife enthusiasts, two Royal Bengal Tigers have been sighted in Dooars forests of north Bengal, 20 years after the species was first spotted in the area.

While a Royal Bengal Tiger was found in Gourik forest beat under Baikunthapur division four-five days back, another was spotted lurking within the tall grass of Jalpaiguri forest division, near Neora Valley forest, during that period, Chief Conservator of Forests Manindra Biswas said today.

A carcass of a cow was found in the Gourik area by the forest personnel subsequently confirming the tiger presence in the secluded forest.

The forest areas, dotted with tall grass, were inhabited by deer and other herbivores providing ideal habitat for the species.

Biswas said about 20 years back a tiger had been spotted in the Dooars jungle, though there had been no report of any sighting of the animal in the intervening period.

The sightings brought cheers among the wildlife enthusiasts, who were now sure that the species has not become extinct in the region.

To a question, forest officials said there was no threat from the tigers for humans and all safety measures were in place.