Missing tigress Hirkani found safe in Sahyadri reserve, but without GPS collar

Hirkani (STR T6) captured on a camera, walking through the core forest area of Koyna. Pics/Sahyadri Tiger Reserve

In a major relief for forest officials, radio-collared tigress Hirkani (STR T6) of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve has been confirmed alive and healthy through fresh camera trap images after concerns grew over her whereabouts during the past 10 days. However, the tigress was spotted without her GPS tracking collar. Officials suspect the collar may have either fallen off due to a technical fault or removed by the tigress herself.

Signal concern

According to forest officials, Hirkani's GPS collar had been transmitting signals from the same location for nearly 10 days, raising fears of a technical malfunction, collar drop-off, or possible danger to the tigress. Despite extensive patrolling and search operations across a large forest area, teams were unable to trace her physically.

Camera breakthrough

Following the uncertainty, the forest department increased patrolling and installed additional camera traps across the landscape. The breakthrough came on Thursday when a tigress was captured on camera moving through the core forest area of Koyna in the reserve.

"After analysing the stripe pattern, it was confirmed that she is Hirkani STR T6. However, the collar is not visible around her neck," said Tushar Chavan, field director, Sahyadri Tiger Reserve.

Collar mystery

Officials said there are two likely possibilities behind the missing collar. The tigress may have managed to remove it using her paws, or the collar may have detached due to a technical or mechanical fault. Interestingly, the collar is reportedly still active and continues to intermittently transmit signals.

Health update

"Based on the latest photos and videos, Hirkani seems healthy, and her body condition appears robust; her weight also looks to have increased," said Rohan Bhate, honorary wildlife warden. Forest officials will continue tracking the intermittent signals in an attempt to recover the costly collar while closely monitoring Hirkani's movement inside the reserve.