Tiger Spotted at Record Altitude in Himalayas

A recent government project in Uttarakhand's Bageshwar district has revealed the unexpected presence of a Bengal tiger at an astonishing altitude of 3,010 meters. Captured by a camera trap on May 16 in the Sunderdhunga glacier valley, this sighting represents one of the highest verified locations for the species in this Himalayan region. The discovery occurred during a project aimed at studying snow leopard habitats.

The tiger was photographed alongside a sambar deer, suggesting a robust prey base exists even in these challenging alpine environments. This finding prompts further investigation into why tigers are venturing from the terai plains to higher hill districts. Officials are analyzing whether this presence is part of a seasonal migration.

The project, 'Securing Snow Leopard Habitat and Alpine Ecosystems in the Kumaon Himalayas,' is crucial for understanding and conserving high-altitude biodiversity. The findings underscore the importance of protecting these fragile habitats and maintaining ecological corridors connecting lowland forests with the mountains, vital for the survival of both snow leopards and tigers.