Massive ‘Hercules’ Tiger in Spotted in Uttarakhand May Be Asia’s Largest, Sparks Global Buzz
Dehradun, May 4 – Wildlife enthusiasts and forest officials in Uttarakhand are buzzing with excitement over the sighting of an extraordinarily large tiger in the Ramnagar region. Nicknamed ‘Hercules’, the majestic big cat has captured national and international attention due to his exceptional size, with early estimates suggesting he could be the largest tiger in Asia.
Roaming freely in the Phato tourism zone, Hercules has become the centre of fascination for tourists, wildlife experts, and forest staff alike. Preliminary measurements suggest that the tiger weighs nearly 300 kilograms and stretches approximately 7 feet in length, sparking serious discussions about whether he might be the largest living tiger on the continent.
“In my entire career, I have never seen such a giant tiger,” said Prakash Arya, Divisional Forest Officer of the Terai West Forest Division. “This is a clear symbol of the rich biodiversity and the success of our management efforts in this forest area.”
The Forest Department has begun round-the-clock monitoring of Hercules, deploying camera traps across the Phato zone to track his movements and collect vital data. Local guides, many of whom have spent years in the area, have been left awestruck.
“We’ve seen many tigers here, but nothing compares to ‘Hercules’,” said one local guide. “His sheer size is incredible. He truly looks like the mythical hero, hence the name.”
Tourists who have had the rare chance to see Hercules in person have described the experience as unforgettable.
“Seeing ‘Hercules’ was an unforgettable experience,” said Priya Sharma, a visitor from Delhi. “His presence is overwhelming. If he is indeed the largest in Asia, it puts Uttarakhand on the map in a very special way.”
The excitement around Hercules also brings attention to Uttarakhand’s thriving tiger population. According to Dr. Saket Badola, Director of Corbett Tiger Reserve, the 2022 tiger census recorded 560 tigers in the state. He credited the state’s excellent habitat and environment for supporting such a robust population.
Nationally, the 2022 census estimated India’s tiger population between 3,682 and 3,925, with Madhya Pradesh leading at 785 tigers and Karnataka following with 563.
Wildlife experts are eagerly awaiting further analysis that could officially confirm Hercules’ place in history. If verified, his size would not only bring prestige to the Phato Zone but could significantly enhance its global visibility as a premier wildlife destination.
