Sariska Roars with Hope Again: Tigress ST-22 Gives Birth to Two Cubs, Tiger Count Climbs to 54

• According to forest officials, tigress ST-22 was recently seen moving through the forest with her two cubs, confirming the birth through field monitoring and camera trap observations.
• This is not the first time the tigress has contributed to Sariska’s growing tiger numbers. In 2024, ST-22 had also given birth to four cubs, making her one of the reserve’s important breeding tigresses.
• Officials further stated that ST-22 is believed to be the offspring of tigress ST-10, continuing a strong tiger lineage within Sariska.
• With the birth of these two cubs, the total number of cubs in the reserve has now reportedly reached 26.

To ensure the safety of the newborn cubs and their mother, the Forest Department has deployed special monitoring teams in the Talvriksha Range. Surveillance in the surrounding forest area has been significantly intensified, with teams conducting regular patrols throughout the day.

Authorities have also appealed to tourists and local residents to avoid unnecessary movement near sensitive wildlife zones. Officials emphasized that reducing disturbance is crucial during the early stages of cub development.

• With Rajasthan currently experiencing severe summer temperatures, forest authorities have taken additional precautionary measures inside the reserve.
• Waterholes and natural water points across the forest area have been filled to guarantee adequate drinking water for wildlife.
• Officials stated that maintaining water availability is especially important for tigresses raising cubs during the heatwave.
• The move is aimed at reducing stress on wildlife and preventing animals from moving towards human settlements in search of water.

Alongside the news of ST-22’s cubs, wildlife enthusiasts and tourists have also been excited by the recent sighting of the famous tiger ST-18, popularly known as “Sultan.” The tiger was reportedly spotted after nearly two years during a safari on the Andheri track, making the sighting special.

Known for his elusive and aggressive behavior, Sultan is considered one of Sariska’s most iconic tigers. Wildlife experts say his territory stretches across dense forest areas including Akbarpur, Narayanpur, and Bansur. He is also believed to be the father of several cubs born in the buffer zone, including cubs of tigress ST-19 and tigress 2302.

The Sariska buffer zone has recently witnessed multiple tiger sightings, increasing excitement among safari tourists. Tigress ST-19 was seen with her four cubs near a watering point on the Bara Liwari track, while tigress 2302 and her cubs were also spotted moving through the Andheri track area.

Wildlife photographers and visitors described the sightings as rare and memorable, especially as tourists reportedly observed the tiger families for nearly an hour during safari drives. The increasing visibility of tigresses and cubs is rapidly turning Sariska into one of Rajasthan’s most talked-about wildlife destinations.

The birth of two new cubs to ST-22 is not just another wildlife update for Sariska Tiger Reserve. It is a strong sign of how far the reserve has come over the years. There was a time when Sariska had lost all of its tigers, but today, the forest is once again seeing healthy tiger numbers and regular cub sightings.

With continuous protection, better monitoring, and strong conservation efforts, Sariska has slowly rebuilt its wildlife population. The growing number of cubs in the reserve is now giving fresh hope for tiger conservation not just in Rajasthan, but across India as well.