Rajasthan is preparing for its first-ever interstate tiger translocation — and India's second — as a tigress from Pench Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh is set to be airlifted to the Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve (RVTR) in Bundi district, pending final approvals from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). The translocation aims to introduce genetic diversity and establish a viable breeding population in RVTR, which was notified as a tiger reserve in Rajasthan in 2022. The tigress will be fitted with a GPS radio-collar to enable real-time monitoring, movement analysis, and early detection of potential human-wildlife conflict or stress. RVTR covers approximately 1,501 sq km and is located in the Hadoti region, forming a critical wildlife corridor linking Ranthambore National Park to the north and Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve to the south. The Rajasthan Forest Department and NTCA have conducted joint site assessments and prey-base surveys to ensure the translocation site has adequate prey (chital, sambar, nilgai) and suitable habitat for the tigress. India's first interstate tiger translocation involved moving a tigress named 'Sasha' from Kanha to Panna Tiger Reserve, which successfully revived Panna's population after local extinction. The RVTR translocation, if successful, will demonstrate the replicability of this model for re-establishing tiger populations in reserves that have lost their breeding individuals.
Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve: Rajasthan Prepares for First-Ever Interstate Tiger Translocation from Pench
Rajasthan is preparing for its first-ever interstate tiger translocation — and India's second — as a tigress from Pench Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh is set to be airlifted to the Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve (RVTR) in Bundi district, pending final approvals from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). The translocation aims to introduce genetic diversity and establish a viable breeding population in RVTR, which was notified as a tiger reserve in Rajasthan in 2022. The tigress will be fitted with a GPS radio-collar to enable real-time monitoring, movement analysis, and early detection of potential human-wildlife conflict or stress. RVTR covers approximately 1,501 sq km and is located in the Hadoti region, forming a critical wildlife corridor linking Ranthambore National Park to the north and Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve to the south. The Rajasthan Forest Department and NTCA have conducted joint site assessments and prey-base surveys to ensure the translocation site has adequate prey (chital, sambar, nilgai) and suitable habitat for the tigress. India's first interstate tiger translocation involved moving a tigress named 'Sasha' from Kanha to Panna Tiger Reserve, which successfully revived Panna's population after local extinction. The RVTR translocation, if successful, will demonstrate the replicability of this model for re-establishing tiger populations in reserves that have lost their breeding individuals.
Key facts
- Rajasthan prepares for its first interstate tiger translocation from Pench to Ramgarh Vishdhari.
- RVTR was notified as a tiger reserve in Rajasthan in 2022 and is located in Bundi district.
- The tigress will be GPS radio-collared for real-time monitoring and conflict detection.
- RVTR covers 1,501 sq km forming a corridor between Ranthambore and Mukundra Hills reserves.
- Joint site assessments confirmed adequate prey-base of chital, sambar, and nilgai.
- India's first interstate tiger translocation from Kanha to Panna successfully revived Panna's population.
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Why was the planned relocation of a tigress from Pench Tiger Reserve to Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve significant for Rajasthan?
Forest officials described the Pench-to-Ramgarh Vishdhari move as Rajasthan's first inter-state tiger translocation and the country's second such exercise. The relocation was meant to strengthen the tiger population and genetic base at Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve in Bundi.
Source: Rajasthan Forest Department / NTCA / Times of India
Frequently asked questions
What is Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve (RVTR) and when was it established?
RVTR is a tiger reserve in Rajasthan's Bundi district, notified in 2022. It covers 1,501 sq km and forms a crucial wildlife corridor between Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (to the north) and Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve (to the south). Its establishment was aimed at expanding the tiger conservation landscape in Rajasthan.
What is an interstate tiger translocation and why is it needed for RVTR?
Interstate tiger translocation involves moving a wild tiger from one state's reserve to another to introduce genetic diversity and establish a breeding population where tiger numbers are insufficient. RVTR has only a few resident tigers, and without genetic infusion the small population risks inbreeding depression and reproductive failure. A tigress from Pench (Madhya Pradesh) was selected to address this.
What was India's first successful interstate tiger translocation?
India's first interstate tiger translocation was from Kanha Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) to Panna Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) — though both are in the same state. The first true interstate translocation effort gained attention through Project Tiger. The planned Pench-to-RVTR translocation would be Rajasthan's first and India's second such interstate effort.
What role does GPS radio-collaring play in tiger translocations?
GPS radio-collaring enables real-time tracking of the translocated tiger's movement, territory establishment, and health. It helps wildlife managers detect and prevent human-wildlife conflict, monitor prey-base interactions, identify home range, and intervene quickly if the tigress strays into human settlements. Data from the collar also informs future translocation protocols.
What approval is required for interstate tiger translocation in India?
Interstate tiger translocations require approval from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), which operates under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. NTCA coordinates with source and receiving state forest departments, conducts joint site assessments for prey-base and habitat suitability, and issues final clearance after environmental and logistical review.
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