Tuesday, March 29 2005 14:09 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bhopal: Thirty-five tigers were found at the Panna National Park during a "re-census" by Madhya Pradesh Forests Department, which has launched a probe into allegations of poaching and mismanagement.

"Allegations of mismanagement and irregularities against the Park management were received. The matter is being probed," Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF-Wild Life) P B Gangopadhyay said in Bhopal.

The Department conducted a "re-census" of the tiger population in the protected area, spread over 542 sq kms, he said. Officials from National Parks of Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Panna were deployed to carry out the re-census in the protected area.

"A report by the Park Director reaffirms claims that the park has 35 tigers including a cub," Gangopadhyay said.

Kanha National Park Deputy Director Ashish Shrivastava, who led the team of officials, said 14 male, 20 female and a cub were found during the re-census carried out through study of footprints and feeding patterns for seven days.

The National Park had come under scanner with people in Panna claiming that no tigers were left in the protected area near Khajuraho.

However, on allegations of poaching, the PCCF dubbed them as rumours spread by individuals, local residents of Panna, "who have been aggrieved by the activities of the forest officers".