BETTIAH, July 30 -- On International Tiger Day on Wednesday, forest department at Bihar's lone tiger habitat, the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR), expressed optimism over further rise in the big cat population, officials said. To mark the occasion, a host of events were organised, which saw the participation of students and teachers. VTR's field director Gaurav Ojha said the reserve was hopeful of posting better numbers than those recorded in the last All India Tiger Estimation, released in 2022. "We are managing nearly 4,000 hectares of grassland, aided by around 150 waterholes and a workforce of about 800 personnel engaged in forest protection and management. These efforts have improved the habitat, and we are hopeful of a better outcome than the last tiger census," he said, while refusing further details....