Jai and Veeru, sons of the tigress matriarch Mai, were born among the bamboo-lined forests of Nagzira about three years ago. Ever since, the magnificent beasts have been the star attraction at the wildlife sanctuary. In October, however, Jai decided to leave the abundant lakes of Nagzira, wandering off about 120-130 km to reach Paoni range of Umred-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary. The handsome young tiger had left in pursuit of a tigress.
“Nagzira has a larger male population. Mai is probably one of the only tigresses in the sanctuary,” explains Chandrapur-based naturalist Shalik Jogwe. With a scarce female population, migration could be a constant worry. And although no harm has been reported, a tiger wandering out of the jungle is a perilous prospect.

A tiger at the Nagzira sanctuary. The formation of the Nagzira Tiger Reserve will create a corridor allowing the tigers of Tadoba and Nagzira to mingle without risking the lives of the tribals inhabiting the jungle’s periphery. Pic/Shalik Jogwe