On a mission to explore reasons for the disappearance of tigers in the country, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [Images] on Tuesday went on a safari in the Ranthambore National Park and spotted a tigress.

The prime minister, who was accompanied by his wife Gursharan Kaur, could spot the big cat, named `The Lady of the Lake', after a drive of about 20 minutes into the forest.

Singh, who spent about an hour in the national park, also met forest officials, who explained their problems to him.

The prime minister heard them patiently during the nearly 20-minute interaction.

Dr Singh had on Monday held discussions with wildlife officials.

He said tigers are a part of our national heritage and all major steps have to be taken to preserve and protect them.

"All is not well with the way we are managing our national parks," he told the meeting.

"Disappearance of tigers is a matter of national concern," Dr Singh added.