Tiger Translocation to Sahyadri

Context:

The Union Environment Ministry has approved the translocation of tigers from Tadoba-Andhari and Pench reserves to the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra to revive the big cat’s population in the Western Ghats.

Background of Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR)

Established in 2010 and spread over 1,165 sq. km.
Encompasses parts of Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, and Ratnagiri districts of Maharashtra.
Formed by merging Chandoli National Park and Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary.
Despite rich forest cover, tiger presence has remained transient and non-breeding.

Reason for Translocation

STR has suitable forest and prey base but lacks a stable tiger population.
Translocation aims to ensure long-term tiger survival in the Western Ghats, an ecologically sensitive and biodiversity-rich region.

Implementation & Institutions Involved

Approved by the Union Environment Ministry’s Wildlife Division.
Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and State Forest Department are responsible for scientific planning and execution.
The project had earlier been recommended by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in October 2023.

Ecological Significance

Strengthening tiger presence in STR ensures habitat connectivity between Western Ghats reserves and those in Goa and Karnataka.
Helps maintain ecological balance and boosts conservation of prey species.
Supports the long-term goal of landscape-level tiger conservation in India.