MP tigress unfit for relocation to Raj, another being considered now

Jaipur: A different tigress may be relocated to Rajasthan's Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve from Madhya Pradesh's Pench Tiger Reserve following health concerns that have ruled out immediate movement of the initially identified tigress.Forest officials said tigress PN-230, approximately 3 years old, is now being considered for translocation to Ramgarh, replacing PN-224. The original plan faced complications after PN-224's radio collar slipped off and became entangled in bushes shortly after she was darted and released in early Dec. Concerned about the potential health risks of repeated tranquilisation, it was decided against immediately attempting to recapture her.An official familiar with the operation said, "Repeated tranquilisation could seriously affect the health of tigress PN-224, and the department does not want to take that risk. She cannot be darted again for at least 15 days. Therefore, we are now considering relocating a 3-year-old tigress, PN-230, to Rajasthan."The inter-state translocation programme, operating from Pench Tiger Reserve in Seoni district, aims to strengthen the genetic diversity of Rajasthan's tiger population. Following the setback, efforts in Pench have been intensified to locate and track PN-230, who may be relocated if the operation proceeds successfully.A joint search operation for relocating a tigress to Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve began on Nov 28, with a team led by chief conservator of forests (wildlife), Kota, Sugna Ram Jat, along with veterinarian Dr Tejendra Singh Riyar. After the radio collar incident involving PN-224, the Rajasthan team returned, but officials said they may head back once confirmation is received regarding the tracking of the new tigress.A senior official said, "We are fully prepared to receive a tigress. The helicopter landing trial has been conducted. Search for PN-230 is underway in buffer area of Kurai range, with camera traps installed and two elephant squads deployed to assist in locating her."

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