In a development that has sparked both public curiosity and official reassurance, the radio-collared tigress Tara was sighted for the first time by a civilian in the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR). The sighting occurred nearly two weeks after her release into the protected area's core zone.
First Sighting and Public Reaction
The tigress was observed walking along a roadside in the dense forest area of the reserve's buffer zone. This location is approximately 50 kilometres away from the core zone where she was initially set free. A video of this encounter, shot three to four days prior by people travelling on the sparse-traffic road, quickly went viral on social media platforms.
While netizens expressed concern, commenting that the animal appeared not to have eaten for a long time and highlighting potential risks from vehicular movement, forest authorities have provided a detailed and calming assessment.
Official Assurance and Expert Analysis
Tushar Chavan, the field director of Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, addressed the concerns directly. "There is no issue with Tara's safety. The tigress is not starved. There is an adequate prey population in the area," he stated. He confirmed that her movements are being tracked and her current location is just a few kilometres from the core zone, declaring her "100% safe and healthy."
Officials explained that Tara's movement in and out of the core zone within a 50km radius is part of her natural exploration and territory-marking behaviour. Wildlife expert Girish Punjabi provided further context, noting that Tara had preyed on an animal after leaving the core zone. "Usually, tigers prey once every 7-8 days. Crossing the internal roads is normal. Tara will gauge the region for two months before settling," Punjabi said.
He added a crucial detail about her origins: Tara was brought from the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, located 900km away, where the habitat was different. "I think Tara will take one to two months to settle. After 15-20 kills, we may conclude that Tara is now safely settled and has marked territory," Punjabi elaborated. The tigress was previously known as Chanda in the Tadoba Reserve.
Round-the-Clock Monitoring and Conservation Significance
The integration of the tigress into this new ecosystem is being managed with high-tech vigilance. Tara is fitted with a radio collar and is monitored round-the-clock using satellite-based telemetry and VHF antenna tracking units. This ensures her safety and smooth adaptation.
A coordinated monitoring effort is underway, with teams from the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, Chandoli National Park, and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) deployed across strategic beats, vantage points, patrolling routes, and water bodies. The monitoring protocol is comprehensive, focusing on:
- Behavioural documentation.
- Conflict avoidance protocols with local communities.
- Veterinary response readiness.
- Real-time location tracking.
This translocation holds significant importance for the long-term viability of tigers in the region. The STR currently has three male tigers that were spotted before the monsoon. The presence of Tara is expected to help grow the population of tigers in this reserve, contributing to broader national conservation goals.
The release of Tara into the core zone from a soft enclosure took place on November 22. Her subsequent journey, now being closely watched by both officials and the public, represents a critical step in India's ongoing efforts to rewild and repopulate its tiger landscapes.
