Tiger Baji Spotted on Camera in Koyna Jungles, Establishing Territory in Sahyadri Reserve
In a significant wildlife observation, Baji, a three-and-a-half-year-old adult male tiger, has been captured on trap cameras in the dense jungles of Koyna, located in Satara district. This sighting indicates that Baji has successfully marked his territory within the region, as confirmed by forest officials. The Koyna jungle is an integral part of the larger Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR), which is home to a small but notable population of big cats.
Three Adult Male Tigers Roam Sahyadri Tiger Reserve
The Sahyadri Tiger Reserve currently hosts three adult male tigers: Baji, Senapati, and Subhedar. According to wildlife experts, Baji has been particularly assertive in defending his domain, preventing Senapati and Subhedar from encroaching into his marked territory. This behavior is common among tigers as they establish and protect their hunting grounds and breeding areas.
Rohan Bhate, the honorary wildlife warden of the Satara forest department, provided insights into the movements of these majestic creatures. "For the past three years, the three adult male tigers have been roaming about in the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve. They have all marked their territories now," Bhate stated. He elaborated that Senapati and Subhedar are primarily active in the Chandoli range, while Baji has claimed the Koyna area, specifically between Bhairavgad and Pali or Maldev, where he hunts prey within his established zone.
Recent Tiger Census and Population Hopes
Recently, phase 1 of the All-India Tiger Census was conducted jointly by the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the Wildlife Institute of India. This extensive survey involved around 75 volunteers who participated in the census activities within the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve. The census aimed to monitor tiger populations and their movements, providing crucial data for conservation efforts.
During the census, observations revealed interesting patterns in tiger movements. Bhate noted, "During the census, the notes on the movement of the tigers were observed. There was also movement of Senapati and Chanda — one of the two tigresses introduced from Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve — found in the same cameras." While it is not confirmed whether these tigers came into direct contact, such sightings raise hopes for potential breeding and an increase in the wild cat population in the reserve in the near future.
The second tigress introduced from the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve into the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is named Tara. These introductions are part of broader efforts to enhance genetic diversity and boost tiger numbers in protected areas across India.
This development underscores the importance of ongoing wildlife monitoring and conservation initiatives in maintaining healthy tiger populations. The sighting of Baji and the census findings highlight the dynamic nature of tiger territories and the collaborative work being done to safeguard these endangered species in India's forest reserves.
