Chandrapur ( Mohammad Suleman Baig):
In a landmark conservation initiative, the Tadoba–Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) on Tuesday successfully captured and translocated a sub-adult tigress — T7_f_S2_f, daughter of the well-known tigress T7 — to the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR). The carefully planned operation forms part of Maharashtra’s long-term strategy to re-establish a genetically strong and viable tiger population in the Sahyadri landscape.
This is the second tigress to be moved from TATR to STR, reinforcing efforts to curb inbreeding and strengthen the metapopulation across the Western Ghats.
Operation Details
The tigress, whose home range overlaps the Tadoba and Kolara core areas, was safely tranquilized within her natural territory. A comprehensive health check conducted by Veterinary Officer Dr. Ravikant Khobragade confirmed that the animal is in excellent physical condition.
To aid future monitoring and ensure successful adaptation, she has been fitted with a VHF/GPS radio collar. The animal is being transported in a specially designed custom tiger transit crate to ensure safe movement.
Upon reaching Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, the tigress will undergo a soft release protocol inside a temporary enclosure, allowing her to acclimatize to the new habitat before full release.
Officials Speak
Dr. Prabhu Nath Shukla, Field Director, TATR, said:
“Tigress T7_f_S2_f represents a valuable genetic resource, and her safe transfer to the Sahyadri landscape is a crucial step in our nationwide tiger conservation strategy.”
Shri A. Reddy Yellu, Deputy Director (Core), TATR, added:
“This successful capture is the result of meticulous planning and the dedicated efforts of our multi-disciplinary team.”
The Team Behind the Operation
The mission was executed under the supervision of Field Director Dr. Prabhu Nath Shukla, with ground operations led by Deputy Director (Core) Shri Anand Reddy Yellu.
Key members involved included:
Shri Vivek Ramesh Natu, ACF (Core), TATR
Shri Vishal Kalanu Vaidya, RFO, Kolara
Shri Bhavik Prabhunath Chiwande, RFO, Tadoba
Dr. Ravikant Khobragade, Veterinary Officer & Team
Shri Ajay C. Marathe, Shooter, Rapid Rescue Team (RRT), TATR & Team
Shri Shaillendra Singh Deora, Biologist
From Sahyadri Tiger Reserve:
ACF Sandesh Patil
Ecologist Akash Patil
Their coordinated efforts ensured the tigress’s safe capture, medical assessment, and relocation.
A Milestone for Conservation in Maharashtra
The translocation marks a significant milestone in strengthening tiger presence in the Northern Western Ghats, where the population has historically remained low. With genetically diverse individuals like T7_f_S2_f being introduced into STR, authorities hope to revive breeding potential and secure the long-term survival of the species in this rugged landscape.
