Burning bright again

Last Saturday was a momentous day for wildlife conservation in India. The Forest Department of Rajasthan relocated a tiger from the wild to the Sariska Tiger Reserve — a first. Elaborate planning and a trial run preceded the actual move. The Sariska Tiger Reserve had reported a zero tiger population at the turn of the millennium. Sariska can now once again claim to be a tiger reserve, once the most sought-out tiger reserve for its proximity to Delhi and Agra.

A three-and-a-half-year-old male adult was identified for translocation, which now has been crowned the King of Sariska. It is heartening to learn that the tiger is quickly adapting to its new habitat. Soon, he is likely to get a female companion from his home reserve, Ranthambhore. Three more tigers will be released in Sariska over a period of two years. The ultimate goal is to raise the number of tigers to 21, though the Reserve can accommodate up to 50.

Ranthambhore is the smallest of the existing tiger reserves in the country. It cannot accommodate more than three dozen tigers, as they are extremely territorial animals. Excessive numbers are also detrimental to conservation because of territorial battles, or the tigers may stray into human habitats. Excellent conservation practices and a stable people-park relationship have resulted in a good number of tigers there, with 14 tiger cubs at present. These factors make Ranthambhore an excellent nursery for tigers to be translocated to the “dry” reserves.

The King of Sariska will soon be moved out of his VIP enclosure and will stamp his authority all over the park. Wildlife fans will crane their necks to spot pugmarks in the Naya Pani, Kaali Ghati and Pandu Pol areas of the park. Evenings will linger with endless stories of tiger sightings, giving birth to new folklore.