Tiger Translocation in India

Context-

National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) approved the translocation of 15 tigers from Madhya Pradesh to Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.

About Tiger Translocation Project

• First Project: Initiated in 2018, with two tigers relocated from Kanha and Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserves to Satkosia Tiger Reserve in Odisha.
• Objective:
  • To reintroduce tiger populations in areas within their historical range where they have been extirpated or have gone extinct.
  • To alleviate territorial disputes in regions with overpopulation of tigers.
• Key Authority: The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) plays a pivotal role in these projects.
• Funding: The receiving states bear the costs of translocation.

Highlights of the Translocation

• Scale of Translocation: This marks the largest relocation of big cats from a single state in India.
  • Madhya Pradesh is facilitating the project as it hosts the largest tiger population in the country, with 785 tigers.
• Source reserves: Tigers will be translocated from Bandhavgarh, Panna, Kanha, and Pench Tiger Reserves in Madhya Pradesh.
• Destination Details:
  • Rajasthan: Four tigresses.
  • Chhattisgarh: Two male tigers and six tigresses.
  • Odisha: One male tiger and two tigresses.
• Funding and Responsibility: The states receiving the tigers will cover all expenses related to the translocation process.
• Objective of the Relocation:  Enhance tiger conservation efforts across the country by reintroducing or bolstering tiger populations in the recipient states.

Highlights of the Translocation

• Scale of Translocation: This marks the largest relocation of big cats from a single state in India.
  • Madhya Pradesh is facilitating the project as it hosts the largest tiger population in the country, with 785 tigers.
• Source reserves: Tigers will be translocated from Bandhavgarh, Panna, Kanha, and Pench Tiger Reserves in Madhya Pradesh.
• Destination Details:
  • Rajasthan: Four tigresses.
  • Chhattisgarh: Two male tigers and six tigresses.
  • Odisha: One male tiger and two tigresses.
• Funding and Responsibility: The states receiving the tigers will cover all expenses related to the translocation process.
• Objective of the Relocation:  Enhance tiger conservation efforts across the country by reintroducing or bolstering tiger populations in the recipient states.

Overview of Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Pench Tiger Reserves

Aspect	Kanha Tiger Reserve (Kanha-Kisli National Park)	Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve	Pench Tiger Reserve
Significance	Largest national park in Madhya Pradesh	Known for one of the highest densities of Royal Bengal Tigers in India	Spans across Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra
Location	Maikal range of the Satpura Mountains	Between the Vindhyan and Satpura ranges in Umaria district, Madhya Pradesh	Spans the Seoni and Chhindwara districts in Madhya Pradesh and extends into the Nagpur district in Maharashtra
Distinct Feature	First tiger reserve in India with an official mascot, ‘Bhoorsingh the Barasingha‘ (IUCN Status: Vulnerable)	Home to the ancient Bandhavgarh Fort, linked to the legend of Lord Rama and Lakshmana	Inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book”; Pench River flows through the heart of the reserve
Vegetation	Tropical moist deciduous forests	Tropical moist deciduous forests, sal trees, grasslands, and bamboo on lower slopes	Southern dry broadleaf teak forests and tropical mixed deciduous forests
Flora	Predominantly Sal (Shorea robusta) forests	Notable species include Saj, Dhaora, Tendu, Arjun, Amla, and Palas	Includes teak, saag, mahua, and various grasses and shrubs
Fauna	Home to Royal Bengal Tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and Indian wild dogs	Known for the highest density of Royal Bengal Tigers; also leopards, wild dogs, wolves, jackals, chital, sambar, barking deer, nilgai, and chowsingha.	Abundant populations of chital, sambar, nilgai, gaur (Indian bison), wild boar; key predators include tigers, leopards, wild dogs, and wolves
Avian Diversity	Rich birdlife with species like Malabar Pied Hornbill, Indian Pitta, and Grey-Headed Fishing Eagle	Diverse bird species, including Malabar Pied Hornbill, Indian Pitta, and Grey-Headed Fishing Eagle	Over 325 species of birds, including Malabar Pied Hornbill, Indian Pitta, and Grey-Headed Fishing Eagle

CBL Practice Questions for Prelims –

Which of the following was the first tiger reserve in India to successfully translocate tigers to restore its population?

a) Panna Tiger Reserve
b) Sundarbans Tiger Reserve
c) Corbett Tiger Reserve
d) Satpura Tiger Reserve

Answer: a) Panna Tiger Reserve

CBL Mains Practice Question –

“Discuss the role of India’s ‘Project Tiger’ in the conservation of the Bengal tiger, particularly focusing on the translocation strategy. Critically evaluate its achievements and limitations in the context of changing ecological and socio-economic conditions.”

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