Bhopal, May 17: A tigress gave birth to four cubs yesterday at Pench Tiger Reserve. Earlier, there were 12 cubs in this National Park. With the birth of these four cubs, their total number has gone up to 16. Forest Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah has directed the departmental officers to provide full protection and care to these newly born cubs.

According to information given by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Dr PB Gangopadhyaya, total number of adult tigers in Pench Tiger Reserve had been put at 33 by Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun during its wildlife habitat assessment. Number of cubs is in addition to this total.

Forest Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah has directed the park's management that proper care and protection of newly born cubs should be ensured. He said that the joy and pleasure of birth of these cubs should be shared by the staff of the Pench Tiger Reserve and tourists paying a visit there.