Repopulating the reserve: Tiger roars again in Sariska

HERE TO STAY: A male tiger was air-lifted from Ranthambore national park to repopulate the Sariska reserve.

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• Officials shift one Ranthambore tiger to Sariska
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Keywords: Ranthambore , Sariska

Sariska: After a gap of over three years the tiger made a comeback to the Sariska Tiger Reserve in Alwar district of Rajasthan on Saturday.

The event made conservation history, as this is the first time the tiger is being re-introduced into a reserve in the country. Sariska, a sanctuary brought under Project Tiger in 1978, had lost all its tigers in 2004-05 because of suspected poaching and road accidents.

The four-year-old tiger, which was airlifted to Sariska from the Ranthambore national park in a chopper, is one of the only 1,400 surviving in the country. The big cat’s move is being seen as the first concrete step towards conserving the endangered species.

The tiger is presently kept in an enclosure until it adjusts to its new habitat.

“It may take sometime and that is why we planned a soft release. Gradually the tiger will move out and explore the area. By then the female tiger would also be there,” Director, Project Tiger, Rajesh Gopal said.

Forest officials say that soon a tigress from Ranthambore would also be transported to the enclosure. Both cats would be carefully monitored before they are released in their new home. They will also be radio-collared so they can be tracked via satellite even after being released.

But there are apprehensions among some conservationists like how well will this highly territorial animal adapt to its new settings? Also, questions are being raised about how safe is Sariska for these tigers since the park is still accessible.

However, officials say that safety arrangements are in progress.

“The protection in general has been stepped up in the area. Villagers have also been relocated,” Gopal explained.

As conservationists keep their fingers crossed, forest officials claim their efforts will go a long way in building a viable tiger population in the country.

(With inputs from Mansi Sharma)