Bhubaneswar, Nov 25: Good news for wildlife enthusiasts: the number of tigers in Similipal Sanctuary has increased this year. Tigers in the state are found exclusively in Similipal, while Satkosia continues to have no tiger population.

According to Chief Wildlife Warden Prem Kumar Jha, the tiger count in Similipal has risen from 27 last year to 32 this year. The sanctuary is also home to nine tiger cubs, highlighting a positive trend for the species.

While the national tiger census, conducted once every four years, is scheduled to be released next June, the Forest Department’s internal surveys have already revealed these encouraging figures, said Jha.