In a significant move for wildlife conservation, a three-year-old tigress was successfully airlifted on Sunday from the Pench Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh to the Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan. The operation, conducted using an Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopter, marks a crucial step in reviving inter-state tiger translocation efforts under the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
Meticulous Groundwork and High-Tech Tracking
Forest officials revealed that the complex operation was preceded by nearly a month of intensive preparation. To ensure a safe capture, teams installed around 50 AI-enabled camera traps and motion-sensor cameras across the Kurai and Rukhad ranges of Pench. This network was used to meticulously study the tigress's movement patterns, territory use, and daily activity.
Field teams reviewed the camera data twice daily, allowing them to pinpoint the perfect and safest window for capture. "The margin for error in such operations is extremely small," explained an officer involved. "Every step, from tracking to the flight, was planned in advance."
A Swift and Secure Translocation Operation
On Saturday, teams moved into position to minimise disturbance in the area. Wildlife veterinarians then tranquillised the big cat strictly as per protocol, while ground staff secured the zone to prevent any civilian movement. Following a thorough health examination, the tigress was placed into a specially-designed transport crate equipped with proper ventilation and monitoring access.
Her vitals were closely watched as the crate was moved to a designated helipad inside the reserve. At first light on Sunday, the IAF helicopter landed, and loading was completed swiftly to limit ground time. Senior veterinarians and forest officers from both states accompanied the tigress onboard, monitoring her condition throughout the flight.
A Template for Future Conservation Efforts
Officials stated that airlifting was chosen over road transport to sharply reduce travel time and stress on the animal. This method also avoided the need to move through sensitive forest corridors and human-dominated landscapes. The successful mission is now seen as a model for future translocations.
This operation is part of a broader conservation push by the NTCA, which has approved the translocation of 15 tigers from Madhya Pradesh to Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. The move aims to balance tiger populations across different reserves and promote genetic diversity, strengthening India's flagship conservation program.
