Maharashtra: Proposal to translocate tigress from Tadoba to Radhanagari to boost breeding

One of the female tigers Tara T5 at the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR). Pic/Amit Mane

In a bid to boost tiger numbers in the Radhangari Wildlife Sanctuary officials have submitted a proposal to the Maharashtra Forest Department to consider the translocation of a female tiger from the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve landscape to Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary, in the northern Western Ghats.

In a letter addressed to Chief Wildlife Warden M S Reddy, Honorary Wildlife Warden Rohan Bhate highlighted that while the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR) currently has seven tigers - four males and three translocated females. Meanwhile, Radhanagari has recorded three male tigers, with no tigress captured on camera.

The proposal

The proposal points out that while permission has already been granted to translocate five female tigers to STR, a parallel move to introduce a tigress in Radhanagari should also be considered as it would initiate breeding with the existing males in the sanctuary, stabilising the tiger numbers.

According to the proposal, cubs born in Radhanagari could eventually disperse towards STR and other parts of the northern Western Ghats, aiding long-term habitat connectivity and strengthening conservation outcomes in the region.

Warden Speaks

Speaking to mid-day, HWW Rohan Bhate said, "The move could also provide a boost to eco-tourism in both Radhanagari and STR, while increasing awareness and public support for wildlife conservation. I have requested the Chief Wildlife Warden to consider the proposal and, if found suitable, issue necessary directions to the Field Director for further action."

Tigers in STR and adjoining Radhanagari landscape

T1 Senapati
T2 Subhedar
T3 Baji
T4 Chanda
T5 Tara
T6 Hirakani
T7 Rayba
T8 Sardar
T9 Shiledar
T10 Ranoji