Rajasthan to bring big cats from otherstates to enrich local gene pool

JAIPUR: Tigers from other states may soon be relocated to Rajasthan, with the Union forest ministry approving a plan at a recent meeting in New Delhi last week. Following this, Madhya Pradesh has agreed to send tigers in an effort to enrich the gene pool of big cats in the state.

Subharanjan Sen, the principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF) of Madhya Pradesh, told TOI, "The technical committee of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has given its approval for the transfer, and Madhya Pradesh has no issues providing tigers. The translocation work can begin after the state govt finalises the modalities and give the final nod."

The issue was discussed at a meeting held at Parliament House in Delhi last week, chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and attended by Union environment and forest minister Bhupender Yadav and Rajasthan forest minister Sanjay Sharma.

"The relocation of tigers and tigresses to Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve (MHTR) in Kota and Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve (RTR) in Bundi was decided at the meeting," Sharma said.

Shortly after assuming office in Feb, Sharma had advocated for the translocation of tigers to Rajasthan from other states to facilitate active 'gene flow' into the state's tiger population from other tiger areas.

A senior forest official said that nearly nine tigers are proposed for relocation from either Madhya Pradesh or Maharashtra. Earlier in March, Uttarakhand had also agreed to send four tigers to the state.

"The NTCA approved the translocation of one male and two female tigers to MHTR in Aug 2023, but this process is still pending. Similarly, permission was granted for one male and two female tigers to be moved from Ranthambore to Sariska Tiger Reserve, though the transfer of a tigress has still not been completed. We are working to finalise the proposal to bring tigers from other states," the official said.

'Win-win situation for both states'
If all goes well, this will be the second interstate tiger relocation in the country since 2018, when tigers were shifted from Madhya Pradesh to Odisha.

Jaideo Rathore, a wildlife enthusiast, said, "It's a win-win situation for both states. Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of big cats (785), and it will lead to better tiger management. Meanwhile, the proposed exercise will help to improve the gene pool of tigers in Rajasthan."


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