Saldanha confirms tiger presence in Goa`s wildlife

Panaji: Goa Forest minister Alina Saldanha has confirmed the presence of tigers in the state wild even as Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has been a bit reluctant to declare Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary as a tiger reserve.

"This year also we saw the magnificent national animal Tiger marking its presence in the state," Saldanha said in her message for wildlife week celebrated between October 2-8. The statement comes two days after Parrikar had ruled out the strong presence of tiger in Goa’s wildlife sanctuaries. Responding to a question, Parrikar had said that detailed study was required whether there are tigers in state’s wild." Environmentalists from the state have been lobbying with the union government to declare state’s Mhadei wildlife sanctuary as a tiger reserve. The MOeF had also asked the state government to submit the proposal for tiger reserve. "The state of Goa with its network of five wildlife sanctuaries and one national park is bestowed with wildlife of myriad hues that add value to the Goan landscape, Saldanha said in her message which is published in all newspapers here. "The Gaur as state animal and yellow throated bulbul as the state bird are our prized possession. This year also saw the magnificent national animal Tiger marking its presence in the state," she said. The recent studies conducted by the forest department in association with the experts had discovered the pug marks of tigress and her cubs in Mhadei wildlife sanctuary, a 280 km long area situated in the north eastern part of the state. PTI