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Representational photo of tigers in Odisha
Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR), now home to two thriving tigresses, will soon receive male tigers to support the big cats’ breeding and conservation. This strategic shift follows the failure of the tiger relocation programme in Satkosia.
On International Tiger Day today, the Odisha Forest Department shared this major update.
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According to official sources, in a renewed bid to boost tiger conservation, the Odisha Forest Department has announced plans to introduce male tigers into the Similipal Tiger Reserve. This decision comes after the earlier relocation project at Satkosia failed to yield results.
Similipal forests have proven to be a conducive environment for tigers, particularly for the two tigresses—Zeenat and Yamuna—who were introduced from Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. These big cats have successfully adapted to the local terrain and climate, marking a positive shift in the reserve’s ecological dynamics, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Prem Kumar Jha informed.
The Wildlife PCCF revealed that the department will bring in one male tiger initially, with a second one to follow based on the outcome. The goal is to naturally expand the tiger population through breeding within the reserve. Discussions are underway to source the male tigers from either Maharashtra or Madhya Pradesh.
Meanwhile, the Forest Department has shifted focus away from Satkosia, which has remained tiger-less for the last five years.
The Satkosia relocation plan faced heavy criticism after it failed to retain even one tiger. Due to this, the State is avoiding further risk in that region and instead is now eyeing Debrigarh as a new potential site for a tiger conservation project.
Odisha is also emphasising the conservation of melanistic (partially black) tigers at Nandankanan Zoological Park, where 29 tigers currently reside, including 19 normal-coloured, six white, and four black tigers. The zoo continues to see a rise in the tiger population, with plans to welcome new tigers upon receiving clearance from the Central Zoo Authority.
This year’s International Tiger Day theme—‘Save Tigers’—has added urgency to tiger conservation initiatives across India. With India being home to over 70% of the world’s tiger population, conservationists stress the importance of strategic, safe, and sustainable tiger breeding efforts.
“Debrigarh sanctuary is also a probable tiger conservation site. A technical committee has been formed to review the available resources. We are in receipt of a technical permission from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in this regard,” the PCCF said.
“Based on the expert committee report on its to-be-proposed core area, buffer area, and several other steps, we will proceed further,” PCCF Jha added.
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