The tiger has been officially coded STR T9. Speaking about the sighting, STR Field Director Tushar Chavan said, “The tiger STR T9 has been captured in multiple camera traps over the past two months inside Chandoli National Park. Several photographs and videos have documented his movement in the area. Currently, T9 is frequently moving within the territory of tigress T5 (Tara). Local guides have named the new entrant ‘Shiledar’"
With this addition, the total tiger count in the Sahyadri landscape now stands at seven (T1 – Senapati, T2 – Subhedar, T3 – Baji, T4 – Chanda, T5 – Tara, T6 – Hirkani, and T9 – Shiledar)
At present, three male tigers — T1 (Senapati), T2 (Subhedar), and the newly recorded T9 (Shiledar) — are moving within the territory of T5 (Tara). Forest officials said it remains to be seen which male the tigress eventually chooses
Chavan termed the development “extremely encouraging” for the Sahyadri landscape. Honorary Wildlife Warden Rohan Bhatte said the growing tiger numbers underline the region’s rich biodiversity. He noted that wildlife corridors connecting Radhanagari and the Tilari-Dodamarg forest areas are playing a crucial role in facilitating tiger movement and breeding
Forest officials said the latest sighting reflects sustained conservation efforts and improved habitat connectivity in the Sahyadri landscape.
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