Tiger relocated from Kanha to Nauradehi Tiger Reserve

 

 

 

IN A significant step towards strengthening wildlife conservation in Madhya Pradesh, a tiger was safely relocated from Kanha Tiger Reserve to Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve (Nauradehi). The tiger was originally rescued from the Rukhad Range of Pench Tiger Reserve in Seoni district when it was just four to five months old. Following the rescue, the cub was brought to Kanha Tiger Reserve, where it was raised at Ghorela re-wilding enclosure in Mukki. There, it was trained for independent life in the wild, including developing natural hunting skills and free-ranging behaviour.

 

Now aged around 33 to 35 months, the tiger has been declared fully healthy and fit for independent survival in the forest. Based on expert recommendations, authorities decided to release the tiger in a protected area with low tiger density and adequate habitat availability, making Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve a suitable site for its long-term conservation. Prior to relocation, the tiger was sedated by wildlife veterinarians and all essential biological parameters were carefully recorded.

 

After obtaining due permission from the competent authority under Section 11(1)(a) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the animal was fitted with a satellite radio collar and transported under continuous expert supervision, strictly following prescribed protocols. Forest officials said the habitat in Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve offers favourable natural conditions for the tiger to establish its territory and move freely. The entire operation was carried out under the guidance of Ravindra Mani Tripathi (IFS), Field Director, Kanha Tiger Reserve.

 

Key roles were played by Puneet Goyal (IFS), Deputy Director (Core), Amitha KB (IFS), Deputy Director (Buffer), Dr Sandeep Agrawal, Wildlife Veterinarian, Ajinkya Deshmukh, Field Biologist, Dr Aniruddha Majumdar from State Forest Research Institute, Jabalpur, Rohan Desai from the Wildlife Institute of India, along with other experts, officers and field staff. Officials said the relocation would help enhance tiger presence in under-populated reserves while ensuring the long-term survival of the species.