5 Royal Bengal Tigers to be Rehomed in Odisha Wildlife Sanctuaries

Bhubaneswar: Odisha is set to welcome five new big cats as part of an interstate translocation project. The Forest Department has plans to relocate three Royal Bengal Tigers (RBTs) to Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Sambalpur district and two to Similipal Wildlife Sanctuary in Mayurbhanj district.

This initiative marks a revival of interstate tiger translocation efforts in India. In 2018, a tigress from Madhya Pradesh was brought to Odisha’s Satkosia Tiger Reserve. However, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) put a hold on the program due to concerns about its implementation.

The Forest Department is ensuring a smooth relocation process for the tigers. They will be transported from Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra in a phased manner. The tigers destined for Debrigarh are scheduled for release in August, while the Similipal tigers will be introduced to their new home by October.

This project is a significant step towards bolstering Odisha’s tiger population. The state is already home to Similipal Tiger Reserve, the largest tiger reserve in India, and Satkosia Tiger Reserve. The reintroduction of these majestic creatures in Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary will contribute to habitat restoration and tiger conservation efforts in the region.