WWF Tigers Could Be Pregnant
New images from a camera trap at Chitwan National Park in Nepal show that Kamrita the tiger that is focus of the WWF’s tiger adoption scheme is pregnant. Not only that but Kamrita’s daughter Ranu may also be pregnant as well which is fantastic news.
Researchers who are studying the footage of both tigers say that Kamrita and Ranu seem to be showing signs that they are expecting. If this happens to be the case then this will be Ranu’s first ever litter.
Funds that ordinary people have donated as part of the WWF’s tiger adoption scheme have been used to help provide camera traps that are spread out across 64 square kilometers of the park.
Kamrita’s last litter is now two years old and the male cubs of that litter left her a few months ago so they could set up their own territory. Female tigers give birth to a new litter roughly once every three years and this makes now the right time for Kamrita to be expecting.
Footage from the camera suggest that as many as six new tigers are now sharing the territory frequented by Kamrita and Ranu.
Great News For Tiger Conservation
The news of the potential of pregnancy is an indication that the WWF’s efforts at conserving this magnificent species seem to be working. The only real drawback is with the addition of new tigers to the conservation area, there will be less space for Kamrita and her family to roam.
The WWF’s monitoring strategy is centered around the camera traps, and seeks to keep the park safe for tigers. Rangers also regularly patrol across vast areas looking for physical traces of the tigers.
The rangers also keep their eyes open for any signs of poaching and the good news is so far this year no tigers have been poached in the park. There have been a number of cases recently of tiger parts being seized in Nepal so it is critical the rangers stay on top of things.
Tiger adopters play a huge role in supporting ongoing monitoring of the WWF’s tiger conservation efforts. As well as raising money for camera traps the adoptions also help pay for vital equipments such as compasses, tents and food for the rangers.
