A team from the Odisha Forest Department arrived at the Tadoba Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra on this week with the mission of relocating a female Royal Bengal Tiger to Similipal Tiger Reserve in Mayurbhanj district. This move is part of a broader conservation effort to ensure the growth and genetic diversity of the tiger population in Similipal.

According to an official statement, the team will remain in Tadoba for an unspecified period to capture and transport a female tiger to Odisha. The operation is being carried out in collaboration with local forest authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of the tiger throughout the process.

Similipal Tiger Reserve, a crucial sanctuary for wildlife in eastern India, has been a key focus of Odisha’s tiger conservation initiatives. Over the past few years, the reserve has faced challenges related to genetic isolation, which can threaten the long-term sustainability of the tiger population. The introduction of a genetically diverse tigress is expected to strengthen the gene pool and reduce the risks of inbreeding, which could otherwise lead to health issues and declining population numbers.

The relocation of tigers from one reserve to another has become an increasingly common practice in wildlife conservation. It helps to ensure the stability of ecosystems by redistributing wildlife and preventing overcrowding in specific areas. Experts believe that introducing new tigers into Similipal will not only enhance the reserve’s tiger population but also contribute to the overall ecological balance of the region.

The Odisha Forest team’s operation comes after the successful relocation of another tigress in a similar effort. The first tigress “Jamuna” was relocated in October and is reportedly adapting well to her new environment. Authorities are hopeful that the new relocation will follow a similar trajectory and further contribute to the thriving wildlife ecosystem in Similipal.

Tadoba Tiger Reserve, known for its rich biodiversity and significant tiger population, has long been a source of wildlife resources for neighboring states, including Odisha. The forest reserve is home to a large population of tigers, making it an ideal source for relocation programs aimed at strengthening tiger populations in other regions.

The Odisha Forest Department has expressed confidence in the success of the operation, with plans to continue its focus on tiger conservation efforts across the state. The team will remain in Tadoba until they successfully capture the tigress and complete the transport to Similipal.

As this relocation effort progresses, wildlife experts, conservationists, and the public eagerly await the results, which could play a key role in bolstering the future of tigers in Odisha.