Dehradun: The population of striped hyenas, a near threatened species, is on the rise in the Chilla and Gauhri ranges of Uttarakhand`s Rajaji National Park, a park official said. During a recent sign survey carried out at the park, camera traps in eight tracks of Chilla and four of Gauhri ranges have sighted substantial presence of striped hyenas along with their cubs, N B Sharma, Wildlife Warden at Rajaji National Park said.

Describing the species` role as important in sustaining the eco-system, he said their substantial presence at the park, numbering over 40, is an indication that the park is a healthy wildlife habitat, he said.