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 the phase-wise translocation of three more tigers into the protected forest, nearly seven months after the ceremonial release of two tigresses – NT-I and NT-II – in May.

Given the high tiger population in Bramhapuri range, the state government has proposed relocating some of these majestic creatures to other reserves where their numbers are thin. 

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

Get, set, ready…

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

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

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

NNTR officials organize workshop 

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

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

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