Nagpur: A remarkable journey of a tiger from Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra to Odisha has amazed wildlife experts and forest officials. The male tiger, identified as T-1 from the Bramhapuri area of Tadoba, covered a distance of about 2,000 km across four states in search of a suitable habitat and a mate.
The tiger’s presence in Odisha was confirmed by camera trap images that matched the stripe patterns of T-1, which was photographed earlier in Bramhapuri. The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in Dehradun verified the tiger’s identity after receiving the information from the Parlekhamundi Forest Division of Gajapati district in Odisha.
The tiger’s long-distance migration is a rare and remarkable feat, considering the challenges and risks involved. The tiger had to cross several rivers, canals, fields, roads, and human settlements without getting into any conflict with people or other animals. The tiger also had to avoid poachers, snares, traps, and electric fences that threatened wildlife in many parts of the country.
The tiger’s arrival in Odisha is a sign of hope for the conservation of the endangered species, as the state has a low tiger population. According to the 2022 tiger census, Odisha had only 20 tigers in its forests. The tiger’s presence also indicates the existence of wildlife corridors that connect different habitats and allow the movement of animals.
Forest officials of Odisha said that tigers from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh often cross their borders from June to July. However, this is the first time that a tiger from Maharashtra has reached Odisha through Chhattisgarh. They said they would monitor the tiger’s movements and ensure its safety and well-being.
