2 tigresses ‘missing’ in Ranthambore, combing operations intensified

Jaipur: The forest department has stepped up combing operations in Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, where two tigresses – code named RBT-2504 and RBT-2510 – remain untraceable for several days. Nearly 50 forest personnel and more than 150 camera traps have been deployed across the reserve for this purpose.

Of the two missing tigresses, RBT-2504, also known as Mahi, was involved in repeated territorial fights with her mother over the past few months. According to the forest staff, the last such clash was reported on May 2. Mahi has not been sighted since.

“The young tigress was trying to establish her own territory and was frequently seen around the lake areas of Ranthambore. She remains untraced for nearly 17 days now,” a staff member at the reserve said.

The second tigress, RBT-2510, also remains off the forest department’s radar for some time now.

Officials said her territory was around Jhoomar Baori, Ama Ghati and the Phalodi region. She was frequently seen with tiger RBT-2407, and their movement was last recorded some 28 days ago near Jhoomar Baori.

There is speculation that the tigress may be preparing to give birth.

With no recent movement observed of either tiger, the forest department has intensified surveillance.

“The disappearance of the two animals is a matter of concern, since tigresses generally do not venture long distances in search of territory, unlike their male counterparts,” a forest official said.

“While RBT-2504 remains unseen since the last territorial fight with her mother, RBT-2510 has shown a habit of staying away from her hunting grounds for up to 25 days in the past,” he added.

“A combing operation is currently underway and hopefully we’ll be able to trace both tigresses soon,” he said.