Maharashtra: Female tiger TUI-21 rescued, released safely in Pench tiger reserve
Nagpur, July 7
The Pench Tiger Reserve on Tuesday successfully rescued and released a female tiger, identified as TUI-21, after she repeatedly ventured into human-dominated areas and was involved in multiple cattle kills, raising concerns over a possible human-wildlife conflict.
Forest officials said the tigress was captured from the Usripar beat in the Pauni UC range as a preventive measure to avoid any potential attack on humans and to curb further conflict in the area.
Following the rescue, a team of veterinarians conducted a detailed medical examination and found the tigress to be in excellent health and fit for release. In accordance with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) protocols, TUI-21 was subsequently shifted and released into the core area of the Sillari range, away from human settlements.
The operation was carried out under the guidance of Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden M.S. Reddy, Field Director of Pench Tiger Reserve S. Rameshkumar, and Deputy Director Akshay Gajbhiye.
The field operation was led by Assistant Conservator of Forests Pooja Limbgaonkar, Range Forest Officers Abhijit Mane and Nilesh Gawande, Veterinary Officer Dr. Rohini Bawaskar, and assistant Parag Bhute, along with the forest staff.
Officials said the operation highlights the Pench Tiger Reserve administration's continued efforts to ensure the safety of both wildlife and local communities through timely intervention and scientific management of human-wildlife conflict.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is a great example of proactive conservation. However, I wish more was done to address the root cause - why are tigers venturing into human areas? Maybe we need better habitat corridors and more prey bases deep inside reserves. Still, better than shooting the animal outright, which some states used to do. 🙏
Impressive to see such well-coordinated efforts. The NTCA protocols seem to be working well. I hope other states adopt similar scientific approaches to conflict management. The video of the release must be amazing - watching a healthy tiger return to the wild is pure joy!
While the rescue is commendable, farmers near Usripar beat must be compensated for their cattle losses. Hope the forest department has a proper compensation mechanism in place. Also, need more awareness in villages about dos and don'ts when tigers are spotted. Forest staff need more equipment too. Just saying. 🤔
Maharashtra forest department has been doing well in tiger conservation. Pench, Tadoba, Nagzira - all have healthy tiger populations now. But yes, more needs to be done for villages on the forest fringe. Happy to see TUI-21 back where she belongs - in the heart of Pench! 🌿
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