After 17 Years, Rajasthan To Once Again Airlift Tigers To Relocate Them To Its Wildlife Reserves

In 2008, Rajasthan carried its first ambitious airlift operation to translocate a tiger from Ranthambore to Sariska. And now, 17 years later, the forest department of the state will once again airlift seven tigers, this time from Maharashtra and MP, and relocate them to its reserves. Read on to know more about this larger than “wildlife” operation.

Rajasthan Translocate 7 Tigers From MP & Maharashtra Reserves

According to a report by Free Press Journal, Rajasthan’s forest department is gearing up for an ambitious airlift operation happening at the end of the year. It’s ‘operation interstate translocation of tigers aka Big Cats’. About 17 years ago, the state had successfully airlifted a male tiger from Ranthambore and sent it to Sariska Tiger Reserve.

This time, Rajasthan will relocate tigers from wildlife reserves in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Mukunda Hills Tiger Reserve (MHTR) in Kota and Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve (RVTR) in Bundi will receive tigers from the two states. Seven male and five female tigers from the two states will make Rajasthan’s tiger reserves their home.

Loksabha Speaker Om Birla, the MP from Kota – Bundi Loksabha constituency is looking into this translocation operation. Om Birla and Union Forest and Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav, carried out a meeting with forest officials to discuss this matter. The team are making preparations for the relocation of the Big Cats.

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Big Cats’ Relocation To Happen In Phases By December

To accommodate the new tigers at their new home and ensure a steady availability of prey, the team are making preparation. 150 chitals (spotted deer) will be released into Rajasthan’s two wildlife reserves. The team has made a special request to the Government of India and the Indian Air Force to permit the airlift of tigers in phases towards the end of this year.

Rajasthan’s forest department officials are taking special care to ensure the safety of the tigers during the airlifting process. Moreover, to reduce travel stress, considering the vast distance involved, the process will be carried out in phases between October and December this year.

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Currently, Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve has just seven big cats and Mukunda Hills Tiger Reserve has five, which includes a cub. The report by Free Press Journal also reveals that special leopard rescue centres will come into fruition at the two tiger reserves in Rajasthan. For the purpose of monitoring, 25-30 leopards will be transferred to the rescue centres in phases.

What do you think about the prospect of tigers being airlifted?

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ShinOkamoto