Forest officials said the gates of the soft-release enclosure were opened on December 13 at 7 am, but the tigress initially chose to stay in and around the area. During this period, she displayed natural wild behaviour, made a successful kill, and fed on it for nearly three days
TARA showed strong wild instincts throughout the soft release. PIC/ Sahyadri Tiger Reserve
After days of cautious movement around her enclosure, adult female tigress STR-05 (TARA) on Thursday finally entered the core forest of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, completing a scientifically monitored soft release by the Maharashtra Forest Department.
Forest officials said the gates of the soft-release enclosure were opened on December 13 at 7 am, but the tigress initially chose to stay in and around the area. During this period, she displayed natural wild behaviour, made a successful kill, and fed on it for nearly three days. On the morning of December 18, at around 7 am, TARA emerged from the enclosure and moved into the Chandoli core forest.
Earlier identified as T7 (S2) during the management phase, the tigress was housed in a specially developed enclosure where her health, behaviour, and adaptability were closely monitored by forest officials and wildlife experts. Observations confirmed that she remained alert and demonstrated strong hunting skills, indicating readiness for independent survival.
TARA showed strong wild instincts throughout the soft release. She hunted successfully, stayed alert, and displayed all the traits needed to survive on her own. Her release strengthens the tiger presence in the Sahyadri landscape, said Tushar Chavan, IFS, Field Director, Sahyadri Tiger Reserve.
Chief Wildlife Warden M S Reddy said the release was carried out strictly as per scientific protocols. Every behavioural and health parameter was assessed before allowing the tigress into the wild, underlining the department’s focus on long-term tiger conservation, he added.
The release gains added significance as two adult tigresses, STR-05 (TARA) and STR-04 (CHANDA), have now been introduced into the core forest of Sahyadri, a landscape that has been witnessing efforts to rebuild its tiger population.
With the release of tigresses TARA and CHANDA into the core area, Sahyadri’s tiger population will get a much-needed boost. It will also help promote sustainable wildlife tourism and create local employment without compromising conservation, said Rohan Bhate Shah, Honorary Wildlife Warden.
Post-release, forest department teams will continue to closely monitor TARA to ensure smooth acclimatisation to the habitat and surrounding landscape.
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