Maharashtra: In search of love, Tara takes the plunge, swims crocodile-infested Chandoli dam

Tara is captured by camera traps during her journey inside the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve. Pic/By Special Arrangement

Two-and-a-half-year-old tigress STRT5, better known as Tara, has astounded and delighted forest officials by her daring 1.5-km swim across the chilly, crocodile-infested waters of the Chandoli dam.

Tara was relocated from Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) to the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR) in western Maharashtra on December 18 after being fitted with a radio collar, and was initially believed to be settling into her new surroundings. However, forest department officials and wildlife researchers tracking her movements have learnt that she has swum across the Chandoli dam, possibly in search of a mate or to carve out a territory of her own.

Released into Sahyadri Tiger Reserve on December 18, Tara initially rested on the Sonarli plateau

Tushar Chavan, field director of the STR, said, "Radio-collared tigress STRT5 was released into the wild on December 18 and initially appeared to be resting on the Sonarli plateau. The following day, she moved towards the backwaters of the Chandoli dam, pausing near the water before entering it around 6 pm. Midway, Tara changed direction and swam nearly 1.5 km towards the Jolambi plateau, crossing reservoir waters known to have a strong population of Indian marsh crocodiles. The crossing highlights the tigress's strong dispersal instinct in the Sahyadri landscape."

By the next day, forest officials noticed Tara heading towards the backwaters of the Chandoli dam

Tracked round the clock by forest officials and researchers, the tigress has already covered more than 50 km since her release. Chavan told mid-day that her journey includes both long walks and a daring swim.

Sequence of events

December 9, 2025: Tara was successfully relocated to STR from the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve

December 13: Tara was fitted with a radio collar and released in the core Forest of STR. Forest officials said the gates of the soft-release enclosure were opened at 7 am, but the tigress initially chose to stay put. During this period, she displayed natural wild behaviour, made a successful kill, and fed on it for nearly three days

Tara emerged on the Jolambi plateau on the other side of the dam, a move that officials say highlights her strong dispersal instinct. ILLUSTRATIONS/UDAY MOHITE

December 18: Tara started exploring the area and settled in the Sonarli plateau

December 19: The tigress got down from the Sonarli plateau and headed towards Chandoli dam backwaters. The tigress subsequently swam across the Chandoli dam

Sahyadri Tiger Reserve

Around 6 pm on December 19, the tigress entered the reservoir waters and swam nearly 1.5 km, navigating a stretch known for being home to Indian marsh crocodiles

Spread across Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, and Ratnagiri districts, the reserve is an important part of the corridor connecting Tilari, Radhanagari, Chandoli, Koyna, and Kali Tiger Reserves in Karnataka

There are about 32 tigers in this corridor, of which 14 are in the Sahyadri area of Western Maharashtra

The Maharashtra Forest Department plans to reintroduce more tigers. Efforts are also being made to increase the tiger prey in the area, like the herbivore species, including sambar and chital