Success of 1st phase tiger translocation in Similipal boosts scope for Ph-2

Bhubaneswar: The success of the first phase of inter-state tiger translocation in Similipal Tiger Reserve has brightened the chances of a second phase.

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)-approved plan entailed bringing in five females and one male tiger in three phases. Two tigresses, Zeenat and Yamuna, were brought in the first phase in 2024, in the second, two females and one male were to come, and in the third, two tigresses. “For 2026, translocation of two tigresses and a male is on the cards, considering the success or failure of the first one,” said wildlife officials.

“NTCA and state govt will take a call on the second phase based on the submission of a report by Similipal authorities about the translocation success of the first,” said Similipal field director Prakash Gogineni.

Wildlife officials said there is a committee for introduction of tigers. The committee, comprising an NTCA functionary, a scientist of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) and Similipal field director, will review the success and the journey of tiger introduction to Zeenat birthing four cubs.

“I am preparing a detailed report of the translocation from day 1 till Zeenat gave birth to the cubs. I will shortly submit the report with the PCCF (wildlife), who may forward it to the Centre (NTCA). Thereafter, a decision may be taken to proceed with the second phase of translocation,” said Gogineni.

Wildlife authorities said considering the way initial hiccups in the Similipal translocation were handled, the NTCA and WII would take a call. Zeenat, after dispersing, had to be re-wilded in a bigger enclosure in an effective manner, saving it from the shock of tranquilisation twice.

“It is basically to study and assess how the tiger introduction was handled and how the dispersing tiger was brought back. There are efforts behind the screen to make it a success. Coordination of field personnel, reining in of poachers, tech-based surveillance and planning made it a success. Also, it has been proved that tigers from the central India landscape can acclimatise well in Similipal, with Yamuna also settling in nearby Kuldhia Wildlife Sanctuary, although without a mate so far,” a wildlife officer said.