Translocation of Tigers to the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR)

Context: The Union Environment Ministry has approved the capture and translocation of eight tigers from Tadoba-Andhari and Pench Tiger Reserves in Maharashtra to the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR) in western Maharashtra.

Why is the Translocation of Tigers happening?

• Low Tiger Numbers in Sahyadri Reserve: Despite rich forest vegetation, Sahyadri Tiger Reserve has had a very small and transient tiger population.
  • Only recently have a few male tigers been photographed in the area.
• Revival of the Tiger Population: The translocation is part of the long-term tiger recovery plan.
  • It seeks to establish a breeding population in Sahyadri, which tigers never naturally colonised.
• Suitable Habitat: Studies by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and forest officials confirm that Sahyadri has the capacity to host 20+ tigers due to its prey base and large forest cover.
• Ecological Importance: Reviving tigers here will help maintain connectivity of habitats across the Western Ghats, including Goa and Karnataka.
  • Sahyadri is also part of the catchment area for major rivers (Koyna, Warna), crucial for livelihoods.

About Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR)

• Location: Spans parts of Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli, and Ratnagiri districts.
• Size: 1,165 sq km
• Created: In 2010 by combining the Chandoli National Park and Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary.

Tadoba–Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR)

• Location: Chandrapur district, Maharashtra.
• Size: ~1,727 sq km (core 625.4 sq km + buffer ~1,101 sq km).
• Created: Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1995 by merging Tadoba National Park (notified 1955) and Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary (1986).
• Special Feature: Oldest and largest national park in Maharashtra, rich in teak forests and famous for frequent tiger sightings.

Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR), Maharashtra

• Location: Nagpur and Chandrapur districts, adjoining Madhya Pradesh’s Pench reserve.
• Size: ~741 sq km (core 257 sq km + buffer ~484 sq km).
• Created: Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1999, after Pench National Park (notified 1975) and adjoining sanctuary areas were combined.
• Feature: Named after the Pench River flowing through it, it forms part of a larger tiger habitat spread across MP and Maharashtra.

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