Bhubaneswar: Odisha has welcomed a Royal Bengal Tiger from Maharashtra, which will be rehabilitated in the core area of Similipal Tiger Reserve in Mayurbhanj district, marking a significant step in efforts to bolster the state’s big cat population.
A special team from Similipal Tiger Reserve transported the tiger from Maharashtra’s Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve on Sunday. This translocation follows a request from the Odisha government to the National Tiger Conservation Authority, seeking support to increase the tiger population within the state’s protected areas.
Last week, a team comprising the Similipal Director, Assistant Director, veterinary doctors, and a rapid response unit traveled to Maharashtra to facilitate the tiger’s safe relocation to Similipal. This tiger is the first of five planned relocations, with Odisha intending to bring three tigers to Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Bargarh district and two to Similipal as part of its big cat relocation project.
The addition of the Royal Bengal Tiger to Similipal is anticipated to enhance the biodiversity of the reserve and contribute to conservation efforts aimed at maintaining a sustainable population of tigers in Odisha.
