PANJIM: The verdict is out! At long last, Goa can authoritatively pride itself as being home to its very own big cat – the majestic tiger. The ‘stripe matching’ of the Goan tiger was authenticated by a top tiger expert, authorities said.

Tiger stripes are unique, with each one like a fingerprint and identifies the stately animal. Dr K Ullas Karanth, a conservation zoologist and leading tiger expert based in Karnataka, who is working closely with the state on tigers, has confirmed to the Forest Department that the tiger that was photographed recently was unique to Goa and not part of any of the 600 tigers who live in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.