Go And Say Hello To Jamuna, Similipal Tiger Reserve’s Newest Tigress That Has Come To Odisha

From the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra, the Royal Bengal Tigress ‘Jamuna’ has been moved to the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha. The tigress had been in her soft enclosure at STR since October, and now, under the careful watch of a group of forest officials, the tigress was freed in the Similipal Tiger Reserve’s centre on November 9.

From Maharashtra To Odisha: Why Was The Royal Bengal Tigress Relocated?

The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests of Odisha, Susanta Nanda, stated that they have the world’s first tiger supplementation, which aims to improve the gene pool of tigers, and he expressed hope for the initiative’s success in light of the Royal Bengal tigress’s relocation to the state’s tiger reserve.

Tiger sighting by tourists at Simlipal…
May be 1st after a long long time. And that too a melanistic one.
It has taken Herculean efforts by the team in securing the Tiger Reserve. Introduction of Jimny vehicles for Safari recently has made this possible. Kudos team Simlipal 🙏 pic.twitter.com/9db11BB2m8

— Susanta Nanda (@susantananda3) November 10, 2024

In an effort to prevent inbreeding and boost genetic diversity in the tiger population—which presently has a large number of melanistic, or black, tigers—Jamuna, a two-and-a-half-year-old tigress, has been housed in a soft enclosure in STR since October 27. Due to excessive melanin caused by inbreeding concerns, about 50% of the tigers in the reserve have melanistic traits, such as dark or black skin and hair.

Also Read: At Ranthambore National Park, 25 Out Of 75 Tigers Are Missing Since 2023; Investigation Underway

The Current Tiger Relocation Effort in Odisha

At present, a total of 30 tigers are residing in Odisha, and out of these, 27 have found their home at the Similipal Tiger Reserve. To add another tigress to the program, the wildlife wing of the Forest Department has travelled to Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve. The growing threat of inbreeding within the isolated tiger population of the reserve is prompting authorities to acquire tigers from other reserves, particularly in Maharashtra, as reported by CNBCTV18.

It is expected that this action will increase the number of visitors to the reserve. There have been unsuccessful attempts by the state to move tigers from Madhya Pradesh to Odisha as well. The Satkosia Tiger Reserve received a tiger and tigress named Mahavir and Sundari in 2018. However, Sundari was returned to her natural environment in 2021 after allegedly killing two people, which was followed by local residents’ protests, and Mahavir passed away, as reported by CNBCTV18.

Also Read: Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve Reopens For Tourists After 4 Months Of Monsoon Break

So on your next trip to Odisha, do go and witness the beauty of the Royal Bengal tigress at Similipal Tiger Reserve.

Cover Image Credit: Canva Pro