Translocation plans underway at Maharashtra’s NNTR for more tigers into the park

Maharashtra: Authorities at Maharashtra's Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve (NNTR) are gearing up for phase-wise translocation of three more tigers into protected forest, nearly seven months after ceremonial release of two tigresses – NT-I and NT-II – in May.

Given high tiger population in Bramhapuri range, state government has proposed relocating some of se majestic creatures to or reserves where ir numbers are thin. 

translocation plan involves shifting five tigers from Bramhapur to NNTR, which spans across Gondia and Bhandara districts of Maharashtra.

Get, set, rey…

Pavan Jepf, deputy field director of NNTR, revealed that preparations for phase-wise translocation of remaining three tigers have commenced. team is currently engaged in site identification, and discussions are underway regarding necessary equipment, including rio collars and antennas, for effective monitoring during process.

Jepf explained, “Discussion and planning are ongoing, but it will take anor couple of months to complete preparations before translocation.”

Of previously translocated tigresses, NT-II has settled within NNTR, while NT-I roams in Waraseoni range of Balaghat district in neighboring Mhya Presh, under close observation by forest staff.

NNTR officials organize workshop 

To foster awareness about tiger translocation efforts, NNTR officials have organized a workshop for villagers residing in park's vicinity. Recognizing importance of local grazers in forest ecosystems, Jepf emphasized need to involve m in care of wildlife.

In a parallel initiative, translocation of eight big cats to Sahyri Tiger Reserve (STR) has been proposed. A team from STR, led by deputy field director Uttam Sawant, visited NNTR to study process. 

Sawant noted need for a "soft release" of big cats in enclosures at STR, which spans across Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, and Ratnagiri districts. collaborative efforts aim to balance tiger populations and promote conservation across Maharashtra's tiger reserves.