In a significant boost to Maharashtra’s tiger conservation efforts, the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR) has welcomed its first new resident under Operation Tara. A young tigress, identified as T20-S-2, has been successfully relocated from the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) as part of the Maharashtra Forest Department’s long-term conservation programme.
This comes after the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) granted approval to translocate a total of eight tigers, including three males and five females, from TATR and Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) to Sahyadri. As per the Maharashtra Forest Department, the entire operation is being implemented with scientific guidance from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
The tigress, which is nearly three years old, was safely captured from the Khadsangi range of Tadoba in full compliance with NTCA guidelines.
After receiving appropriate veterinary care, she was further transported to STR in a dedicated wildlife transport vehicle. The tigress has now been placed in an enclosure at Sonarli under a “soft release” protocol, where she will undergo acclimatisation and monitoring before being released into the wild.
The process was executed with strict adherence to safety standards and continuous supervision. Dr R. S. Khobragade, Wildlife Veterinary Officer from Tadoba, led the medical team, ensuring the tigress remained healthy throughout the operation.
This successful translocation of the T20-S-2 tigress marks a significant milestone for tiger conservation in Maharashtra. The coordinated, scientific, and responsible efforts of the teams from Tadoba and Sahyadri have made this achievement possible.
Also, the Maharashtra Forest Department remains committed to continuous monitoring, habitat improvement, and scientific management to rebuild a viable tiger population in the Sahyadri landscape.
Tushar Chavan, IFS, Field Director, Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, while highlighting this significant move, said, “Operation Tara is a historic step for Sahyadri. With this soft release, the scientific reintroduction programme has formally begun. Our team carried out the entire process with utmost responsibility and precision. Under WII’s guidance, we will continue rigorous monitoring to restore Sahyadri as a thriving tiger habitat.”
M. S. Reddy, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Maharashtra, while expressing his views, said, “This translocation is an important milestone for tiger reintroduction in Sahyadri. The coordinated, scientific, and professional work of the teams from Tadoba and Sahyadri is truly commendable.”