Bhubaneswar: In a significant milestone for the Similipal Tiger Reserve's big cat translocation program, tigress Zeenat has given birth to four cubs. A technical committee will soon decide on removing her radio collar using a remotely triggered drop-off mechanism, avoiding the need for tranquilisation.
Committee Composition and Decision
The panel comprises a functionary from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), a scientist from the Wildlife Institute of India, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), and the Similipal Field Director. The decision to remove the collar will be taken after careful assessment.
Monitoring and Cub Development
Similipal Field Director Prakash Gogineni stated, "Not only will the radio collar be removed, but monitoring through Very High Frequency (VHF) antenna will be minimized once the cubs are found secure, self-dependent in movement, and stable with the mother. This is possible after a month, as by then the cubs will be around two months old."
Translocation Success
On Monday, Similipal authorities confirmed the birth through a camera trap image. Zeenat was brought from Tadoba-Andheri Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra to Similipal in 2024 to introduce a new genetic pool, particularly benefiting the reserve known for its rare melanistic tigers. The birth of the cubs has achieved this primary target.
Radio Collar Details
The battery of Zeenat's radio collar is expected to last less than a year. A wildlife official noted, "The purpose of having a radio collar has been served. The committee will take a call on removing it. The battery is expected to be in working condition at most till December." Typically, a female tiger's radio collar weighs 1.1 kg, while a male's weighs 1.3 kg. It includes a GPS chip, battery, VHF signal receiver, and belt, costing approximately Rs 5 lakh.
Cub Population and Tiger Estimation
Official sources indicated that neither Similipal authorities nor the NTCA will include the cubs in the habitat's big cat population due to potential mortality. They will not be counted until they become sub-adults. The results of the All India Tiger Estimation, which has been completed, will be released at the end of July and will reflect Similipal's tiger numbers, but surviving cubs will not be included in the database.
