Odisha: Tigress 'Jinath' gives birth to four cubs in Similipal
Bhubaneswar, June 3
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday informed that he tigress 'Jinath', relocated from Maharashtra's Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, has given birth to four cubs.
"Today, a proud chapter has been added to Odisha's natural resources and wildlife conservation efforts. The tigress 'Jinath', relocated from Maharashtra's Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, has given birth to four cubs in the conducive environment of Similipal," he said on X.
"This success not only signifies an increase in the tiger population in the state but also stands as an excellent testament to our administrative foresight in protecting biodiversity and creating a safe and robust habitat for wildlife," he noted
He further added that special measures have been taken by the Forest Department to ensure the safety of the mother and cubs, and "their movements are being continuously monitored".
"Thanks to the dedicated vigil and effective conservation policies of our forest staff, Odisha has today established itself as a secure sanctuary for wildlife. Our government remains fully committed to preserving the ecological balance of Similipal intact and strengthening the state's wildlife conservation initiatives in the days ahead," he added.
In April, in a remarkable and rare wildlife event, a young male Royal Bengal tiger walked approximately 800 kilometres through forests and landscapes to enter Odisha's famous Similipal Tiger Reserve.
This long-distance dispersal was described as an "astonishing first" by officials.
The tiger, estimated to be 4-5 years old and a prime adult male, was detected through camera traps installed for the ongoing all-India tiger census.
Wildlife experts view such long-distance movements as evidence of improving forest connectivity and the tiger's natural instinct to seek new territories, mates, and prey-rich areas. This incident adds to recent stories of tiger dispersal in India, where big cats have been recorded covering vast distances in search of suitable habitats.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see conservation efforts bearing fruit. But we need more focus on preventing human-animal conflicts in villages near the reserve. Let's not forget the people living on the edge.
Incredible news! The relocation of Jinath from Tadoba to Similipal shows how inter-state collaboration can help wildlife. This is what good governance looks like. Kudos to the forest department! 🐾
As someone who loves wildlife, this makes me so happy. The 800 km walk by that male tiger is mind-blowing. India's forests are getting healthier if these big cats are moving freely! 🌿
This is a huge win for Odisha's eco-tourism potential. But I hope the government also invests in better anti-poaching measures and habitat restoration. Long-term protection matters more than just photo ops.
Fantastic news! The relocation program is working brilliantly. Jinath adapting to Similipal and having cubs shows the reserve has sufficient prey and habitat. Let's keep up the momentum! 🐅
This is a lovely story. But I really hope the Forest Department prioritizes the safety of these cubs from poachers and stray dogs. Continuous monitoring is a must
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