Two Royal Bengal Tigers to Be Translocated to Similipal from Maharashtra

Similipal: In a significant move to bolster the tiger population and improve genetic diversity, two Royal Bengal Tigers from Maharashtra’s Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve will soon be translocated to Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve. This effort is part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening tiger conservation in the region.

A team of forest officials, including the Director and Assistant Director of Similipal, veterinary experts, and a rapid response unit, has been dispatched to Tadoba to oversee the translocation. The selection process for the tigers is currently underway, with the transfer expected to begin once two suitable animals have been identified.

The decision to introduce new tigers stems from concerns over the growing number of pseudo-melanistic tigers in Similipal. The Odisha government had earlier approached the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), proposing the introduction of female tigers to balance the genetic pool and increase the breeding population.

This translocation is part of a larger initiative by the state to introduce five tigers to its reserves—three to Debrigarh and two to Similipal. The tigers are being sourced from reserves in both Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra to ensure genetic diversity and strengthen the state’s tiger conservation efforts.

As of the latest estimates, Similipal Tiger Reserve is home to 28 tigers, and the introduction of the new tigers is expected to support ongoing conservation and habitat improvement efforts. This initiative reflects Odisha’s continued dedication to preserving its wildlife and enhancing the ecological balance of the reserve.