Radio Collars Successfully Removed from Translocated Tigresses in Sahyadri Tiger Reserve
In a significant development for wildlife conservation in Maharashtra, the radio collars of two tigresses named Chanda and Tara have been successfully removed after they settled into their new home in the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR). The big cats were translocated from the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve and have now established stable territories in the core zone of the reserve over the past five months, according to official statements.
Monitoring Shift to Camera Traps and Pug Marks
Sahyadri Tiger Reserve officials confirmed that there is no longer a need for VHF (very high frequency) or GPS tracking of the tigresses, as both animals have fully adapted to their environment. Moving forward, their movements and behavior will be monitored exclusively through trap cameras and the analysis of pug marks, marking a transition to less intrusive observation methods.
Background of the Tiger Recovery Project
This achievement is part of the broader Tiger Recovery Project, which has been implemented since 2017 through a collaborative effort involving the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve Conservation Foundation, the Wildlife Institute of India, and the National Tiger Conservation Authority. The project has been structured in two key phases:
- Phase One: Focused on increasing the population of prey animals within the reserve to create a sustainable habitat for tigers.
- Phase Two: Involved the approval and execution of tiger relocations to boost genetic diversity and population numbers.
Under this initiative, it was decided that a total of eight tigers—comprising five females and three males—would be brought to the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve from the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve and Pench Tiger Reserve.
Translocation and Monitoring Details
Following strict translocation protocols, Chanda was moved to the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve on November 20, 2025, and Tara followed on December 18, 2025. Prior to their release, both tigresses were fitted with radio collars to enable continuous tracking via VHF and GPS technology. Over the subsequent four to five months, their movements were monitored around the clock, with data from camera traps and radio signals indicating that they have been consistently roaming the Chandoli region of the STR.
Establishment of Territory and Future Prospects
Tushar Chavan, the field director of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, provided insights into the tigresses' adaptation. "It is clear that these tigresses have established their own territory in the Chandoli region and have completely adapted to the local habitat," he stated. "It has also been observed through camera traps that male tigers—Senapati, Subhedar, and Shiledar—are living in the same area. This has increased the possibility of breeding in the future."
Against this positive backdrop, the radio collars of Tara and Chanda were removed on April 9 and 10, respectively, using advanced 'drop off' technology. This method involves the collar being automatically released by a computer command, allowing it to fall safely to the ground without disturbing the animals. Officials emphasized that observation will continue through camera traps to ensure the long-term success of the translocation and monitor potential breeding activities.
