Rare Bengal Tiger sighting at nearly 10,000 ft in Kumaon Himalayas

A Bengal tiger has been spotted in Sunderdhunga Glacier Valley, Uttarakhand. (Image: Divisional forest officer/Aditya Ratna)

A Bengal tiger has been spotted at nearly 10,000 feet. The sighting occurred in the Sunderdhunga Glacier Valley of Uttarakhand. Camera traps captured the big cat in this remote alpine terrain. This is one of the highest confirmed elevations for the species.

Bengal tigers are usually found below 6,000 feet altitude. Recent sightings suggest they may now explore higher Himalayan regions. Prey species like deer and serow are present at these heights. This provides a food base allowing tigers to survive at altitude.

The sighting was recorded by a national monitoring programme’s cameras. Originally installed to track snow leopards at high altitudes. Images provide scientists proof of big cats venturing to alpine zones. It confirms tigers can survive and move in colder climates.

Experts suggest climate change may push tigers to colder zones. Loss of forest and human pressure in lower habitats is key. Dispersal by younger tigers may also lead to higher-altitude presence. These factors could collectively drive big cats into new territories.

This discovery highlights the need to protect mountain wildlife corridors. Preserving forests ensures tigers and other species can safely migrate. Corridors may prevent conflicts with humans while allowing natural dispersal. Mountain conservation is vital for maintaining Himalayan biodiversity integrity.

The Sunderdhunga sighting adds critical knowledge about Himalayan tigers. Long-term monitoring will reveal patterns of habitat expansion over time. The researchers aim to understand behavioural adaptation to high-altitude living. This study may inform broader strategies for big cat conservation.