After Chanda, tigress Tara released in Maharashtra’s Chandoli National Park to boost big cat population

#ExpressPune | After Chanda, tigress Tara released in #Maharashtra’s Chandoli National Park to boost big cat populationhttps://t.co/ETEIrODZ4h pic.twitter.com/rZA3ZcBPaM

— The Indian Express (@IndianExpress) December 18, 2025

During the management phase, the release said, Tara, earlier identified as T7 (S2), was housed in a specially developed soft-release enclosure where forest department officials and wildlife experts closely assessed her behaviour, health, and adaptability.

“During this period, the tigress exhibited excellent natural behaviour, remained alert and responsive, and demonstrated strong hunting skills by successfully hunting prey inside the enclosure, confirming her readiness for independent survival in the wild. Based on continuous behavioural observations and veterinary assessment, Tigress Tara was found to be physically fit and behaviourally suitable for release into open forest conditions,” the press release stated.

Strengthen biodiversity, sustainable wildlife tourism

Tushar Chavan, Field Director, STR, said Tara has shown excellent adaptation during the soft release phase. “Her entry into the wild is a significant step towards strengthening the tiger population in the Sahyadri landscape,” said Chavan.

M S Reddy, Chief Wildlife Warden, Maharashtra, said Tara’s release was carried out strictly in accordance with established scientific protocols and careful behavioural evaluation. “This successful release reflects Maharashtra Forest Department’s commitment to evidence-based wildlife management and long-term tiger conservation,” he added.

On November 20, Chanda, also relocated from Tadoba Tiger Reserve, was released in the Chandoli National Park.

“Earlier, there were three male tigers in the STR. With the release of two adult tigresses, Tara and Chanda, we hope breeding will happen, and it will increase the tiger population in STR, which is required to strengthen biodiversity. It will also boost sustainable wildlife tourism in STR, creating new employment,” said Rohan Bhate, Honorary Wildlife Warden, said.

The forest department said radio collars have been attached to both tigresses to monitor them round-the-clock using satellite-based telemetry and VHF antenna tracking units to ensure their safety and smooth integration into the wild ecosystem.

Officials said the key components for monitoring the tigresses also include field-patrol-based triangulation and direct sign verification, behavioural documentation (movement, resting sites, kill pattern, territory exploration), conflict-avoidance protocols with local communities, and veterinary response readiness.

Spread over nearly 740 square kilometres in the Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, and Ratnagiri districts of Maharashtra, the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve includes Chandoli National Park, Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, and Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary.