20 November,2025 12:46 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet Jadhav
Pic/Sahyadri Tiger Reserve
In a landmark development for tiger conservation in the Sahyadri landscape, tigress STRT-04 was released into the natural forests of Chandoli National Park, part of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, on Thursday at around 8 am, officially beginning her life in the wild. The reserve spans the districts of Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, and Ratnagiri.
The tigress had been housed in a controlled soft-release enclosure as part of a closely supervised rewilding programme. Although the gates were opened on November 18, 2025, she chose to remain inside for two days, successfully hunting and feeding within the enclosure. Her confident exit on Thursday marks a significant milestone in the reserve's ongoing efforts to strengthen tiger numbers through scientific reintroduction and habitat-focused conservation.
After her arrival in Chandoli, the tigress underwent a structured process of adaptation, observation, and habituation. Experts monitored her movements, natural responses, hunting instincts, territorial marking, and overall adjustment to the environment. Wildlife researchers and veterinary officers from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) conducted daily assessments and declared her fully fit for release.
Scientific Monitoring and Post-Release Observation
A radio collar has been fitted around the tigress's neck, enabling 24Ã7 monitoring through satellite telemetry and VHF antenna tracking. Trained teams from the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, Chandoli National Park, and WII have been deployed for continuous observation.
Key monitoring components include:
- Satellite- and VHF-based movement tracking
- Ground verification by field teams
- Documentation of movement patterns, habitat use, and hunting behaviour
- Preventive measures to reduce human-wildlife conflict
A rapid veterinary emergency response system
Tushar Chavan, Field Director of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, said, "The tigress has demonstrated excellent adaptation inside the enclosure and displayed behaviour compatible with natural wild conditions. She is fully fit and prepared for an independent life in the forest. With guidance from WII experts, the next stages of monitoring will continue in a scientific and responsible manner. This is a crucial milestone for the Sahyadri tiger reintroduction initiative."
M. S. Reddy, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Maharashtra, added, "Tiger conservation in Maharashtra is being executed scientifically and through long-term strategies. The tigress has successfully adapted to the environment and is exhibiting natural behaviour. Continuous monitoring by STR and WII teams will greatly strengthen conservation efforts in the Sahyadri landscape."
With the combined efforts of the State Government, Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, Chandoli National Park, and WII, tiger rehabilitation and conservation initiatives in the region are expected to gain further momentum.
"This achievement marks a major milestone for the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve. It is also expected to boost future tiger tourism in the region," said Rohan Bhate, Honorary Wildlife Warden.
The then Chief Conservator of Forest (CCF) Dr V Clement Ben, Late Papa Patil, Honorary Wildlife Warden Rohan Bhate and Nana Khamkar are the people who played a very vital role in Tiger Relocation at Sahyadri Tiger Reserve.
