The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has hinted at continuation of the first-ever inter-State tiger translocation project in Odisha’s Satkosia Tiger Reserve despite huge setbacks.
A two-member team, comprising an expert each from NTCA and Wildlife Institute of India, was assigned to study if protocols were followed after the death of a tiger. The team completed its probe and met top wildlife officials here.
There was uncertainty over the fate of the reintroduction programme in the Satkosia reserve after the tiger, translocated from Kanha Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh marking the first such inter-State transfer, was found dead on Wednesday last.
The post-mortem report indicated that the death was due to infected ante-mortem maggot-infested wound followed by multiple organ failure.
Initially, the project had run into trouble after the tigress, Sundari, brought from Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in M.P., was recaptured following couple of incidents of mauling.
Odisha had planned to bring three pairs of tiger from Madhya Pradesh to increase their population in Satkosia. One pair of big cats had reached Satkosia as part of the ambitious programme.
“We are not rushing into taking a decision with regards to continuation or discontinuation of the project. First the tigress was recaptured and then came the death of a tiger. The NTCA authorities, Odisha government officials and experts of Wildlife Institute of India are now discussing the overall situation,” said NTCA director General Amit Mallik.
‘Conditions satisfactory’
“We have spent two days in STR and also visited different villages. The prey base is excellent. The forest coverage is very satisfactory. We are analysing the presence of people, habitat and also the failure. We may continue the project,” said Mr. Mallik.
WII expert and another member, K. Ramesh, said: “The tiger had initially adapted to the situation and settled in the forest. It was not in conflict and its area was established. Everything was right. Its presence was noticed both in the core and the extended area.”
Published - November 19, 2018 12:01 am IST
