In a significant step toward boosting the tiger population and enhancing genetic diversity, the second tigress, Zeenat, relocated from Maharashtra’s Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR), was released into the core area of Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha. The release, part of an ambitious interstate tiger translocation programme, marks a critical milestone in efforts to revitalize the tiger population in Similipal.
Zeenat, a three-year-old tigress, was relocated from TATR to STR after a 40-hour journey in a specially designed vehicle by a dedicated 10-member team. Upon arrival on November 15, she was placed in a soft enclosure in the northern division of Similipal for observation. Following 10 days of acclimatization, she was released into the core area of STR on November 26, 2023, at 9:30 PM.
According to Susanta Nanda, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) & Chief Wildlife Warden of Odisha, the introduction of Zeenat aims to infuse fresh genetic diversity into the tiger population in Similipal. Her movements will now be monitored round the clock to ensure her safety and adaptation to the new habitat.
Zeenat is the second tigress brought to STR under the tiger supplementation programme, following Jamuna, the first tigress introduced in October 2023. Jamuna was conditioned in a soft enclosure in the southern division of STR before her release into the core area. Both tigresses are now freely roaming in Similipal and are equipped with radio collars for tracking.
The supplementation programme aims to address the challenges posed by inbreeding among Similipal’s existing tiger population, which includes 27 tigers, of which 13 are pseudo-melanistic. This genetic disorder, caused by inbreeding, poses long-term risks to the population of yellow-coated Royal Bengal Tigers in the reserve.
A detailed project report prepared by the Forest Department outlines plans to bring six more tigers from Central India, including TATR and other reserves. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is expected to approve this proposal, enabling the introduction of the remaining four tigers into STR.
Additionally, the Forest Department has secured NTCA’s approval to introduce three more tigers (two males and one female) in the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, further bolstering tiger conservation efforts in Odisha.
The release of Zeenat into Similipal marks a new chapter in tiger conservation for Odisha, setting a precedent for successful translocation efforts. The initiative underscores the state’s commitment to wildlife conservation while addressing ecological and genetic challenges in its tiger reserves. With more tigers set to join Similipal and Debrigarh, Odisha is poised to become a key player in India’s big cat conservation efforts.
In a significant step toward boosting the tiger population and enhancing genetic diversity, the second tigress, Zeenat, relocated from Maharashtra’s Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR), was released into the core area of Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha. The release, part of an ambitious interstate tiger translocation programme, marks a critical milestone in efforts to revitalize the tiger population in Similipal.
Zeenat, a three-year-old tigress, was relocated from TATR to STR after a 40-hour journey in a specially designed vehicle by a dedicated 10-member team. Upon arrival on November 15, she was placed in a soft enclosure in the northern division of Similipal for observation. Following 10 days of acclimatization, she was released into the core area of STR on November 26, 2023, at 9:30 PM.
According to Susanta Nanda, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) & Chief Wildlife Warden of Odisha, the introduction of Zeenat aims to infuse fresh genetic diversity into the tiger population in Similipal. Her movements will now be monitored round the clock to ensure her safety and adaptation to the new habitat.
Zeenat is the second tigress brought to STR under the tiger supplementation programme, following Jamuna, the first tigress introduced in October 2023. Jamuna was conditioned in a soft enclosure in the southern division of STR before her release into the core area. Both tigresses are now freely roaming in Similipal and are equipped with radio collars for tracking.
The supplementation programme aims to address the challenges posed by inbreeding among Similipal’s existing tiger population, which includes 27 tigers, of which 13 are pseudo-melanistic. This genetic disorder, caused by inbreeding, poses long-term risks to the population of yellow-coated Royal Bengal Tigers in the reserve.
A detailed project report prepared by the Forest Department outlines plans to bring six more tigers from Central India, including TATR and other reserves. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is expected to approve this proposal, enabling the introduction of the remaining four tigers into STR.
Additionally, the Forest Department has secured NTCA’s approval to introduce three more tigers (two males and one female) in the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, further bolstering tiger conservation efforts in Odisha.
The release of Zeenat into Similipal marks a new chapter in tiger conservation for Odisha, setting a precedent for successful translocation efforts. The initiative underscores the state’s commitment to wildlife conservation while addressing ecological and genetic challenges in its tiger reserves. With more tigers set to join Similipal and Debrigarh, Odisha is poised to become a key player in India’s big cat conservation efforts.
