A viral photo of a tigress and her five cubs has become a symbol of hope for animal conservationists. This heartwarming image, captured by wildlife photographer Siddharth Singh during his safari in the Dudhwa National Park in India, has brought joy to those dedicated to preserving the natural world.

The photo was shared on Twitter by Parveen Kaswan, an officer with the Indian Forest Service and a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

At first glance, the image appears to be a beautiful portrayal of a tigress with her cubs. However, to those deeply involved in conservation efforts, this photograph signifies a positive sign that their hard work is yielding results.

The picture was taken at the Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary, which is part of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, and it shows five playful cubs trotting alongside their mother. This number is significant because the average tiger litter usually consists of only three cubs.

Siddharth Singh, who had been monitoring this particular tigress for four years, shared his excitement about the sighting. He named her the “Beldanda female” after the forest beat where she is usually spotted. Much like the famous tigress “Machali” from Ranthambore, Beldanda is known for her friendly disposition towards tourists and often roams on the roads meant for tourist vehicles.

Singh and his team managed to capture a video of her as she calmly sat on the road, unfazed by their presence. Moments later, she called her cubs, revealing that she had given birth to five cubs, a fact previously unknown to the forest department, which had only captured her image with four cubs.

To ensure the safety and well-being of the cubs, their precise location is being kept confidential, and the route passing through the sanctuary has been closed to the public for the next six months. This decision will allow the cubs to grow and thrive without disturbance. The family will also be closely monitored using camera traps.

Sanjay Pathak, the field manager of Dudhwa Reserve, emphasized the importance of isolation during this crucial period in the cubs’ development. Tigresses typically keep their cubs secluded to protect them from male tigers, other than the father, as well as from poachers. Allowing nature to take its course, the reserve is providing the space and security needed for the cubs’ survival.

WWF India has expressed its delight at this news, recognizing the rarity of five cubs and its significance for tiger conservation efforts. This sighting aligns with the increasing tiger population in India, which is home to 70% of the world’s tigers. In 2018, India’s tiger numbers reached 2,967, marking a significant increase compared to the 2,226 tigers counted in the 2014 census.

The success of these conservation efforts can be attributed to government initiatives such as the ban on hunting, a focus on education and awareness in villages surrounding tiger reserves, and increased investments in hiring additional forest guards to enhance security in protected areas. With a single image, the world can witness the positive impact of these collective efforts to protect and preserve these magnificent creatures.