Tiger Translocation for Genetic Diversity

• 01 Nov 2024

Source: HT

Why in News? 

Recently, the Odisha government translocated a tigress named Jamuna from Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra to the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha. 

• Translocation was aimed at enhancing genetic diversity in Similipal, where there are concerns about inbreeding due to a small population. 

What are Key Facts About this Translocation? 

• Previous Translocation Attempts: In 2018, a tigress named Sundari was relocated to Satkosia Tiger Reserve, Odisha. 
  • The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) gives approval for the translocation project. 
• Translocation of Black Tigers:  
  • Population: The Odisha Tiger Estimation conducted in 2024 found a total 24 adult tigers in Similipal, with a notable presence of pseudo-melanistic tigers. 
    • STR is the only habitat where these black tigers are found in the wild. 
  • Inbreeding Concerns: The high number of pseudo-melanistic tigers (13 out of 24 adults) in Similipal raises concerns about inbreeding and lack of genetic flow, prompting the need for external genetic input. 
  • Future Initiatives: Plans are in place to establish a melanistic tiger safari in Similipal, which would be the first of its kind in the world.

Note:

• Black or pseudo-melanistic tigers exist because of a genetic trait that creates a unique phenotype and indicates a lack of genetic diversity. 
  • They are characterised by wide and merged stripes  

What are the Key Facts About Similipal Tiger Reserve? 

• Location: Similipal tiger reserve and national park is located in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district. 
  • It was designated as a tiger reserve under Project Tiger in 1973. 
  • In 2009, UNESCO included Simlipal National Park in its list of Biosphere Reserve. 
• Geography: Joranda and Barehipani waterfalls and Khairiburu and Meghashini peaks are located in Simlipal national park. 
  • Burhabalanga, Palpala Bandan, Salandi, Kahairi, and Deo rivers pass through it. 
  • It is named after the ‘Simul’ (Silk Cotton) tree. 
• Biodiversity: Forest type is primarily dominated by tropical moist deciduous forests. 
  • Mammals: Tigers, leopards, sambar deer, barking deer, gaurs, jungle cats, wild boars, four-horned antelopes, giant squirrels, and common langurs. 
  • Avian Species: Grey hornbills, Indian pied hornbills, and Malabar pied hornbills. 
  • Reptile: Mugger crocodiles inhabit Khairi and Deo Rivers. 
• Indigenous Population: It is inhabited by indigenous tribes like Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, Bhatudi, Gondas, Khadia, Mankadia, and Sahara. 
  • The tribals worship sacred groves called Jharia. 

What are the Key Facts About Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve? 

• Location: It is situated in Maharashtra and is the oldest and largest national park in the state. 
  • Tadoba/Taru is the local deity revered by the tribal people in the area. 
  • Andhari is derived from the Andhari river which flows through the reserve. 
• Geography: It contains two primary lakes, Tadoba Lake and Kolsa Lake, along with the Tadoba River.  
• Biodiversity:  
  • Flora: Teak, semal, tendu, beheda, karaya gum, mahua madhuca, arjun, bamboo etc. 
  • Fauna: Tigers, Indian leopards, sloth bears, gaurs, nilgai, dholes, small Indian civets, sambars, spotted deer, barking deer, and chital.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) 

Prelims 

Q. Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”? (2020) 

(a) Corbett 

(b) Ranthambore 

(c) Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam 

(d) Sundarbans 

Ans: (c)

Q. Consider the following protected areas: (2012) 

1. Bandipur 
2. Bhitarkanika
3. Manas
4. Sunderbans

Which of the above are declared Tiger Reserves? 

(a) 1 and 2 only  

(b) 1, 3 and 4 only 

(c) 2, 3 and 4 only  

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 

Ans: (b)