By Arun Pratap Singh
Dehradun, 28 May: In a significant move to bolster tiger conservation and mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, the Uttarakhand Forest Department is seriously considering relocation of 5 to 8 more tigers from Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) to Rajaji Tiger Reserve (RTR). This initiative follows the successful translocation of five tigers, two males and three females, from CTR to the western part of RTR over the past year.
The proposed relocation aims to address the issue of unusually high tiger density in CTR, which currently houses approximately 260 tigers, making it one of the most densely populated tiger habitats in India and the world. It may also be reminded here that the overcrowding in CTR has led to increased territorial disputes among tigers and a rise in human-tiger conflicts, particularly in fringe areas where tigers venture into human settlements in search of prey.
Rajaji Tiger Reserve, spanning across Haridwar, Dehradun, and Pauri Garhwal districts, has been identified as a suitable habitat for tigers due to its vast forested areas and abundant prey base. The western part of RTR, in particular, has been underpopulated, with only a few tigers recorded in recent years. The earlier translocation efforts have shown promising results, with the relocated tigers adapting well to their new environment and even beginning to breed.
The Forest Department’s plan to introduce five to eight more tigers into RTR is currently awaiting approval from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). Upon receiving the green light, the department will proceed with the relocation, ensuring that each tiger undergoes a thorough health check and is fitted with a radio collar for monitoring purposes.
This strategic relocation is expected to not only alleviate some pressure on CTR but also enhance the ecological balance in RTR. By increasing the tiger population in RTR, the initiative aims to restore the reserve’s status as a thriving tiger habitat, promote biodiversity, and potentially boost eco-tourism in the region.
However, the Forest Department in the state acknowledges challenges ahead, particularly in the western part of RTR, which, despite its capacity to support over 40 tigers, currently also has a significant leopard population. The coexistence of these two apex predators requires careful management to ensure the safety and sustainability of both species. A comprehensive study is underway to assess the area’s carrying capacity and determine the optimal number of tigers that can be introduced without disrupting the existing ecosystem.
Chief Wildlife Warden Ranjan Kumar Mishra has emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating that the relocation aligns with broader conservation goals and reflects a proactive approach to wildlife management. He states that the department’s objective is to establish a balanced distribution of tigers across suitable habitats, thereby reducing human-wildlife conflicts and promoting ecological harmony.
