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Time of India
22 minutes ago
- Science
- Time of India
Zeenat finding mate raises hopes for genetic diversity in Similipal: Official
1 2 Bhubaneswar: With tigress Zeenat finding a mate in Similipal Tiger Reserve, and Yamuna also settling in the habitat, wildlife officials hope it will go a long way in bringing about genetic diversity in the big cat population. "Both Zeenat and Yamuna almost getting settled in the reserve has marked the beginning of Similipal's journey to welcome genetic variation in big cats. Zeenat was released perfectly during her estrus cycle, during which she goes through hormonal changes, leaving no scope for further dispersal," said chief wildlife warden Prem Kumar Jha. Tiger population in Similipal has been growing at 18% annually since 2014, but 50% of the population is pseudo-melanistic, wildlife officials said. National Centre for Biological Sciences scientist Uma Ramakrishnan during her research in 2021 had suggested that genetic diversity is needed to check pseudo-melanism, a trait of inbreeding, and sustain big cats in Similipal. Ramakrishnan had proposed the translocation of tigers from the central India landscape as the big cat population in Similipal had less genetic diversity. "The findings also identified that the population is isolated, and inbreeding is going on. Therefore, a genetic rescue strategy was required, which is going to become successful now," Jha added. With approval of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve was chosen to select tigresses for translocation. Tigress Yamuna was identified in TATR as T-158 (S3), and Zeenat was known as T-163 (S1). In Feb, state govt released its own tiger estimation report that pegged Similipal's big cat population at 27. Of these, 24 were caught on camera trap, and it was found there are 10 males and 14 females. Zeenat was captured on Dec 29 last year in West Bengal after she dispersed and was released back into a soft enclosure on Jan 1. "On showing signs of estrus, male T-12 was attracted near Zeenat's enclosure. Taking the opportunity, she was finally released into the wild on April 17," Jha further said. Wildlife officials said that while they have video evidence of Zeenat getting a partner, they are yet to get any evidence of Yamuna finding a mate, although she has settled in the Similipal biosphere region under Kuldhia Wildlife Sanctuary. Yamuna was released in Similipal's South division. Zeenat was first released in the north, and in south the second time. Zeenat is being monitored round-the-clock by multiple tracking teams in eight-hour shifts, with each team having four personnel. "Monitoring is being done by walkie-talkies continuously as well as through satellite-based GPS location obtained every four hours," an official said. Former PCCF (wildlife), Susanta Nanda, during whose tenure the translocation started, said the revival of Similipal landscape and tiger population is now on the right track.
Time of India
24-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
7,265 Sightings: Aquatic Bird Census Reveals Rich Avian Diversity At Tadoba Reserve
Chandrapur: The Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) has released its aquatic bird census report, revealing significant findings on the health and biodiversity of water bodies in and around the reserve. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Conducted in January this year, the census covered all the major wetlands, lakes and reservoirs within the reserve landscape. Nearly 7,265 birds from 101 species were recorded during the survey. The Irai Dam, the largest water body in the region, emerged as the most populated site with 3,906 birds, followed by Naleshwar Lake (660) and Mahadore Lake (540). According to the species-wise data, the Red-crested Pochard stood out with a count of 1,605, making it the most recorded species. Swallows, including Barn Swallow, Wire-tailed Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, and Bank Swallow, were collectively numbered at 1,161. The census was carried out across several key locations including Tadoba, Katwal, Teliya, Jamni, Kolsa, Gadi, Mama Belara, Mahador, Madnapur, Naleshwar reservoir, Rantalodhi, Naval Tal, Irai Dam, Nimdhela waterbody and Chargaon Dam. Rare and noteworthy sightings included the Peregrine Falcon and Brown-headed Gull at Irai Lake, Lesser Adjutant Stork in three water bodies, Black Stork in two, and Bar-headed Geese in three. The Grey-headed Fish Eagle was reported in good numbers and showed strong territorial behaviour. One significant outcome was the widespread presence of the Lesser Whistling Duck, recorded in almost every surveyed water body. However, the report also flagged certain gaps in identification, especially among wader species, suggesting that some were misidentified. Waders, often indicators of healthy shallow water habitats, were generally fewer, highlighting a potential lack of shallow feeding grounds. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The census also noted ecological insights, stating that high numbers of diving ducks and low numbers of upending ducks point towards deeper water bodies with less availability of shallow zones. Interestingly, low numbers of Black-winged Stilts, a species tolerant of polluted water, hint at low pollution levels in the surveyed areas, the report states. The Tadoba management has recommended that such censuses be conducted regularly. Not only do birds serve as bioindicators of wetland health, but regular observations also aid forest staff in improving species identification skills. The report further stresses the need to systematically fill in the AWC site forms to enhance scientific monitoring. WINGED WONDERS Birds counted: 7,265 Species identified: 101 Birds in water bodies Irai Lake: 3,906 Naleshwar: 660 Mahadore: 540 Top bird species Red-crested Pochard: 1,605 Swallows (Barn, Wire-tailed, Red-rumped, Bank): 1,161
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Time of India
Tadoba mulling cycle trail for tourists
Nagpur: Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) is exploring the feasibility of starting a cycle trail, along the periphery buffer area where villages abound, as an option for activities in which tourists can indulge. Although private resorts provide cycles for their guests, there is no official 'cycle trail' in Tadoba. Prabhu Nath Shukla, field director of TATR, said, "It's at the planning stage as we not only have to map out the cycle trail route but also factor in what support the tourist has there. Suppose a tyre gets punctured en route, then what support system can be provided." The trail will have GPS tagging of all villages and facilities available there. If the plan is approved and implemented, then TATR will gain another attraction for tourists to partake in. This trail might be a long winding one, as well as a shorter option for those who do not wish to stretch things too far. So far, there is a plan to offer a 'guide' service as all will be on cycles. This is the reason why the trail has to be mapped out through proper roads passing through villages. TATR is pushing ahead with multiple reforms to offer a plethora of choices to tourists. TOI reported their plans to hire an Artificial Intelligence (AI) officer who will use data to help with better management of the forest. The forest department is also on the lookout for an 'official partner' who will design customised experiences for tourists and market them globally. This will help TATR to not just be a 'tiger sighting' destination, but rather evolve as a place where wildlife as a whole can be experienced through different layers. One part is the rich biodiversity of the forest, which houses flora and fauna that TATR also wants tourists to see and appreciate. The other part is the culture of tribal communities that dot villages around TATR. The rich heritage that the rural population carries is also something that tourists may get to see up close, as TATR formulates a 360-degree tourism strategy.
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Time of India
Tigress that killed three women in single attack in Chanda on Saturday captured
Nagpur: Forest officials of Sindewahi range, with the help of rapid response team (RRT) of Tadoba Andheri Tiger Reserve (TATR), on Monday tranquillised and captured the tigress T-81, held responsible for killing three women in the Sindewahi Forest Range on Saturday. The victims were collecting tendu leaves in the Mendhamal area when the attacks occurred. Now, officials are engaged in searching for her three sub-adult offspring, who too will be capture operation, launched in the wake of the tragedy, brought much-needed relief to the local communities gripped by fear. According to forest department sources, the tigress was successfully darted at 5.55am in the Dongargaon beat under the Sindewahi range by RRT sharpshooter Ajay Marathe.
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Time of India
Tigress T-81, Blamed For Killing 3 Women In Single Attack, Captured
: Forest officials of Sindewahi range, with the help of rapid response team (RRT) of (TATR), on Monday tranquillised and captured the , held responsible for killing three women in the on Saturday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The victims were collecting tendu leaves in the Mendhamal area when the attacks occurred. Now, officials are engaged in searching for her three sub-adult offspring, who too will be capture operation, launched in the wake of the tragedy, brought much-needed relief to the local communities gripped by fear. According to forest department sources, the tigress was successfully darted at 5.55am in the Dongargaon beat under the Sindewahi range by RRT sharpshooter Ajay Marathe. The animal was then safely secured in a cage. RRT incharge Dr Ravikant Khobragade, veterinary officer from TATR, examined and confirmed that the tigress, aged around eight years, is in stable identification of T-81 as the conflict tigress was confirmed on Sunday through camera trap evidence. Subsequently, the principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) granted immediate permission for her capture. Camera traps had been deployed in the region hours after the attacks, reflecting the urgency of the situation."The successful capture of the tigress has eased tensions in the surrounding villages," an official said,. The capture has brought a wave of relief among residents who had feared further incident of three human kills in one strike by a tigress had brought into focus in Chandrapur district, which falls within the broader Tadoba landscape — home to one of India's most significant tiger populations.
