Third Tigress Introduced to Sahyadri Tiger Reserve in Major Conservation Push
In a significant boost to tiger conservation efforts in Maharashtra, a third tigress has been successfully translocated to the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve. The tigress, originally identified as PTR-123 and nicknamed 'Lado' from the Pench Tiger Reserve, was released into the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary region of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve on Saturday. This move follows the earlier successful translocations of tigresses T20-S2 (Chanda) and T7-S2 (Tara) from the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in November and December 2025.
New Identity and Strategic Release
Upon her arrival in Sahyadri, the tigress was assigned the official number STR-06 and given the local name 'Hirkani' by the reserve guides. Field Director for Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, Tushar Chavan, emphasized the importance of this release, stating, "This third tigress release in STR marks a new era for Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary. As there were no females for the existing male tiger in STR, we released a new female into his territory. This will ensure continuity and support the tourism aspects of STR."
Journey and Preparation for Release
The translocation process began on February 5, when the tigress was captured at 5 PM from the Nagalwadi forest range of the Pench Tiger Reserve. After undergoing thorough documentation and a comprehensive medical check-up, she embarked on a long journey spanning over 900 kilometers to reach the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve. She arrived on Friday night and was transported by boat to the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary within the reserve.
Veterinary officers conducted a final examination, providing her with water and mutton, which she consumed. At 6 AM on Saturday, the tigress was released into a secure location in the core forest area of the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, marking a critical step in the conservation initiative.
Operation TARA: A Vision for Tiger Revival
This release is part of Operation TARA (Tiger Augmentation and Range Expansion), a strategic project aimed at reviving the tiger population and enhancing genetic diversity in the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve. As the lone tiger reserve in western Maharashtra, it covers an extensive area of 1,165 square kilometers across the districts of Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, and Ratnagiri. The operation seeks to address the historical lack of female tigers in the reserve, thereby promoting breeding and long-term sustainability.
Separate Rescue Effort: Leopard Cubs Saved
In a related wildlife incident, the Kolhapur forest department successfully rescued two leopard cubs that had fallen into a well in Jakhale village, Panhala tehsil, Kolhapur district. The rescue operation, which took place on Friday night, required two-and-a-half hours of dedicated efforts by officials. The cubs, estimated to be 8 to 9 months old, are now under care, with plans to reunite them with their mother on Saturday night, as confirmed by a forest department official.
This dual focus on translocation and rescue underscores the ongoing commitment to wildlife conservation in the region, balancing proactive measures like Operation TARA with responsive actions to protect vulnerable animals.
