The Jharkhand government today said there are more than three tigers in the 1,306 sq km Palamau Tiger Reserve (PTR) and initiatives will be taken for captive breeding to increase their population.
Informing the state Assembly that there were more than three tigers in the PTR, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Saryu Roy said, "It can be ten or it can be four," and that the exact figure has to be ascertained.
Stating that camera traps were being used to know the exact number, he said prey-base has also been reduced in the PTR following inadequate natural grass and growth of weeds.
It is yet to be ascertained as to how many male and female big cats are there, the Minister said, adding steps will be taken for captive breeding and soft release, besides protection of the environment.
Roy was replying to a question by BJP MLA Radhakrishna Kishore on the issue of reduction in the tigers in the PTR.
Kishore had asked as to whether there were 17 tigers in 2007 based on pug marks.
