Inter-State Translocation of Tigers | 04 Jan 2025

Source: TOI

Recently, Madhya Pradesh has directed the translocation of 15 tigers from Madhya Pradesh to Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha for conservation purposes.

The tigers will be translocated from the Bandhavgarh, Pench, and Kanha tiger reserves in Madhya Pradesh.
A total of 12 tigresses and 3 tigers will be moved, following approval from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
- The distribution plan includes six tigresses and two tigers for Chhattisgarh, four tigresses for Rajasthan, and one tiger and two tigresses for Odisha.
Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of tigers in India, with 785 tigers according to the NTCA 2022 report.
- The state has Nine tiger reserves, including the newly notified Madhav Tiger Reserve in Shivpuri District.
Translocation is a strategy to enhance genetic diversity in tiger populations by introducing new individuals to isolated groups, reducing inbreeding risks and supporting long-term species survival.
- It serves as a reinforcement strategy, aimed at increasing the genetic diversity of existing tiger populations.