Nagpur: In Maharashtra’s first interstate translocation project, the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) will relocate two young tigresses from its core area to Simlipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha. Last week, the MoEFCC gave the green signal to shift the felines from Tadoba.
The project is part of the supplementation plan for the revival of the tiger population and genetic diversity. Earlier this year, the Odisha Chief Wildlife Warden (CWLW) sought permission to translocate two tigresses (2-3 years old) from Tadoba.
Today’s Rate
Wednesday 10 Oct. 2024
Simlipal is well known for its black tigers, a rare variant of the Bengal tiger, found exclusively in Odisha’s tiger reserve. Researchers attribute its unique dark coat to a mutation in the Taqpep gene, causing pseudo-melanism. Simlipal’s ecosystem, with its diverse flora and fauna, supports this rare tiger population.
According to Odisha CWLW Susanta Nanda, the joint operation to shift the tigresses will be implemented soon. The basic idea of the translocation project is to augment tiger numbers and the gene pool too. Simlipal has 40 tigers, but 50% of its tigers are melanistic, said Nanda.
Chief Conservator and Tadoba Field Director Jitendra Ramgaonkar said, “We have identified the tigresses, and the operation to translocate them will start after October 15 as per the MoEFCC protocol. This will be the first interstate tiger translocation project by Maharashtra.”
This is the second time that tigresses from Tadoba will be translocated. Earlier in April this year, a young tigress from the reserve was released in the Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve (NNTR) in Gondia-Bhandara districts to augment the population.
Earlier, a similar translocation project in 2018 in Odisha’s Satkosia Tiger Reserve by introducing tigers from Madhya Pradesh failed miserably. The NTCA 2022 estimation report has said that a genetically unique and small population of tigers in Simlipal is of high conservation priority.
NTCA says the wildlife habitats (PAs and corridors) within this region face a range of threats, including habitat encroachment, illegal hunting of both tigers and their prey, conflicts between humans and wildlife, unregulated and illicit cattle grazing, excessive harvesting of non-timber forest products (NTFP), human-induced forest fires, mining, and ever-expanding linear infrastructure. This region also has several mines of important minerals; hence, mitigation measures like lower mining impact techniques and rehabilitation of mining sites should be done on priority.
Translocation with riders:
· Capture and translocation shall be undertaken strictly under the supervision of the state forest departments and as per standard protocols
· Adequate veterinary care to be ensured at all stages of capture and translocation.
· Entire exercise should be done with utmost caution.
· Due care shall be taken to avoid post-capture complications.
· It shall be ensured that minimal trauma is caused to the tigers during the entire operation.
· Regular monitoring during and after the capture and translocation.
