Murdoli, once a fragile and conflict-prone forest corridor in the Navegaon–Nagzira Tiger Reserve (NNTR) landscape, has transformed into a major conservation success story in Eastern Maharashtra. A decade ago, the region faced severe habitat degradation, water scarcity, forest fires, poaching, and intense human-wildlife conflict. Today, it is a thriving safari destination celebrated for frequent tiger sightings and successful breeding activity. This turnaround is the result of ten years of dedicated fieldwork by the Forest Department and volunteers from the Sustainable Environment and Wildlife Assemblage (SEWA). Key members—including former Honorary Wildlife Warden Sawan Bahekar, Shashank Ladekar, Kanhaiya Udapure, Dilesh Kushram, and Sushil Bahekar—actively monitored the landscape through camera traps, tracked wildlife, and ran community awareness programmes.

 

The landscape witnessed significant territorial shifts over the decade. Initially, the dominant male tiger T-7 occasionally visited from Navegaon. Over time, the powerful male T-9 from the Nagzira core took control, replacing T-7. Concurrently, the arrival of tigress T-14 marked a critical turning point for ecological recovery. Recognizing her importance, forest officials prioritized her protection. Over the years, T-14 successfully raised nearly 12 cubs, significantly boosting the region's tiger population. Crucial habitat management and protection were executed under the leadership of then-DCFs Jitendra Ramgaokar and Pramod Panchbhai. Frontline support came from RFOs Vijay Kadam and Praveen Sathawane, alongside Forest Guards Manoj Sahare, Santosh Katre, and Khushal Choudhari. Before Murdoli was formally integrated into the NNTR Buffer Zone, the Territorial Forest Division and the Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra (FDCM)—including FDCM RFO Mulchand Nandeshwar—meticulously managed and protected the territory. Community Forest Rights (CFR) committees and local villagers also partnered in these conservation efforts. Together, stakeholders identified major threats: forest fires, severe summer water scarcity, poaching, and infrastructure hazards.

 

The National Highway (NH-53) and the Gondia-Ballarshah railway line both intersect the forest, resulting in tragic wildlife losses, including two of T-14’s cubs killed in road and train accidents. These tragedies prompted SEWA and the Forest Department to implement urgent mitigation measures. The dispersal of T-14's cubs brought severe challenges, as three human fatalities occurred in separate incidents, triggering widespread panic. However, coordinated conflict mitigation by SEWA, the Forest Department, and the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) stabilised the situation. Through public meetings, school outreach, and continuous community engagement, they successfully minimized panic and fostered human-wildlife coexistence. While Murdoli has achieved remarkable success, conservationists emphasise that developing sustainable summer water sources remains an urgent priority to support its growing wildlife population.