In a positive development for wildlife conservation, a young tigress translocated to Rajasthan is showing promising signs of settling into her new home. Forest officials announced on Wednesday that Tigress PN-224, recently moved from Madhya Pradesh, is acclimatising well within a temporary enclosure at the Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve (RVTR) in Bundi district.
Encouraging Signs of Acclimatisation
The three-year-old big cat is reportedly adapting positively to her new environment. Authorities are closely monitoring her behaviour, which includes actively exploring the enclosure and successfully hunting prey. These actions are critical indicators of her physical fitness and behavioural stability.
Sugnaram Jat, the Chief Conservator of Forests, stated, "Our team is monitoring her movement; the animal is actively exploring the enclosure and has successfully hunted prey, indicating strong physical fitness and behavioural stability." He emphasised that these early indicators serve as key benchmarks for evaluating the success of the tiger translocation initiative.
Rigorous Monitoring Under NTCA Protocols
The tigress is under constant, round-the-clock surveillance by a dedicated team. This group includes veterinarians, field biologists, and trained ground staff who are following the strict protocols established by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
During this crucial initial phase, the team is conducting:
- Regular health check-ups.
- Detailed behavioural assessments.
- Comprehensive movement analysis.
This meticulous monitoring ensures the animal's welfare and gathers essential data to inform future conservation steps.
Path to Wild Release and Parallel Success
The forest department has indicated that the final decision to release Tigress PN-224 into the wild forest area will be made after consultations with higher authorities. Her current positive adaptation is a strong foundation for this eventual release.
In a related success story, officials reported that the movements of another tigress, RVT-8, who was previously released into the wild at RVTR, have been recorded on the outskirts of Bundi for the past two days. This parallel case highlights the ongoing efforts to bolster the tiger population in the region through careful translocation and management.
The progress of Tigress PN-224 marks a significant step in India's ambitious tiger conservation projects, aiming to restore populations in suitable habitats across the country.
