Senapati, Subhedar, and Baji reclaim territory as tigers make a strong return
STR T3 Baji, the dominant male tiger that has established its territory in the Koyna landscape of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve
In a development that has delighted wildlife enthusiasts, the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR) is now home to three dominant male tigers that have successfully established their territories over the past three years.
The three males, STR T1 Senapati, STR T2 Subhedar, and STR T3 Baji, were confirmed during Phase I of the All-India Tiger Estimation exercise, conducted earlier this month by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
While Senapati and Subhedar continue to rule the Chandoli landscape, Baji has firmly established his territory in the Koyna region, forest officials said.
Tigers and their territories
According to the Forest Department, T1 Senapati and T2 Subhedar are largely active in the Chandoli range, while T3 Baji dominates the Koyna forests.
STR T2 Subhedar, one of the dominant male tigers ruling the Chandoli range of the STR. Pics/STR/Maharashtra Forest Department
“Baji’s territory extends from Bhairavgad to Pali and Maldev, where he is regularly sighted moving and hunting within the Koyna landscape. Recent camera trap footage has captured clear photographs and videos of him,” a forest official said.
Officials added that Baji’s pugmark measures approximately 16 cm by 16 cm, indicating a fully grown male tiger. He is estimated to be three to three-and-a-half years old.
Tiger estimation survey
The NTCA and WII conducted Phase I of the All-India Tiger Estimation survey in the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve between January 12 and 17, with nearly 75 volunteers from across the country participating in the exercise.
Forest officials said camera traps installed across the reserve have helped document the movement of tigers and several other wildlife species, strengthening long-term monitoring efforts.
Breeding prospects improve
Officials are optimistic that the recent relocation of two tigresses from the Tadoba–Andhari Tiger Reserve to STR will significantly boost breeding prospects in the region.
STR T1 Senapati, the dominant male tiger active in the Chandoli landscape of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve
“In the long run, an increase in tiger numbers is expected to strengthen forest tourism in Sahyadri and create new livelihood opportunities linked to eco-tourism,” a Forest Department official said.
‘A revival after years’
Honorary Wildlife Warden Rohan Bhate said the return of tigers marks a major turnaround for the reserve. “We have been studying wildlife in the Sahyadri for the past 30 years. Until 2006–07, tigers were present here, but the years that followed saw intense conflict and a decline in numbers,” Bhate told mid-day.
“For the last three years, tigers have once again established themselves in the Sahyadri region. At present, there are five tigers in the reserve, which is a matter of great joy. With the reintroduction of females, the population is expected to rise further, and Sahyadri will see very good days for eco-tourism,” he said.
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