NTCA delays relocation of Royal Bengal Tigers to Odisha amid tigress investigation

Bhubaneswar, Dec 31: The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has postponed the relocation of two Royal Bengal Tigers (RBTs) from Madhya Pradesh to the Debrigarh sanctuary in Odisha’s Bargarh district until the investigation into the recent departure of two tigresses from the Similipal Tiger Reserve is completed.

Although the NTCA had initially granted technical clearance for the translocation, it is now reconsidering the situation following the movements of tigresses Zeenat and Yamuna.

Prem Kumar Jha, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) – Wildlife, stated that a reassessment will be conducted to determine whether the relocation of the tigers to Debrigarh should proceed. He explained that while male tigers typically establish distinct territories, female tigresses also have overlapping territories. Zeenat and Yamuna have begun exploring new territories since their release into the Similipal forests.

Jha noted that the tigresses' behavior, which includes migrating between forests to establish new territories, is not uncommon among tigers. The decision regarding the relocation will depend on the findings of the ongoing investigation.