| Simlipal Tiger Reserve: Simlipal derives its name from the ‘Simul’ (silk cotton) tree, is a national park and a tiger reserve situated in the northern part of Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district. Simlipal and the adjoining areas declared a biosphere reserve in 1994 It lies in the eastern end of the eastern ghat. It is the abode of orchids Sal is a dominant tree species. |
- To strengthen genetic diversity in the tiger population, Odisha has initiated the translocation of female tigers from other reserves to the Simlipal Tiger Reserve, the State’s largest reserve.
- The primary goal is to enhance genetic diversity within Simlipal’s tiger population.
- It has seen inbreeding issues, particularly with pseudo-melanistic tigers.
- As part of this initiative, a female tiger, aged two years and seven months, has been moved from Maharashtra’s Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve.
- The tiger was initially placed in an enclosure within Simlipal to adapt before its eventual release into the South Division of the reserve.
- Odisha has proposed to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) that additional female tigers be translocated from other regions to further support genetic variation and population health in Simlipal.
| NTCA: The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) was established under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 specifically amended in 2006 to strengthen tiger conservation efforts across India. This amendment to the Act provided a legal framework for the NTCA to oversee Project Tiger, implement anti-poaching strategies, and manage the ecological integrity of tiger habitats. |
Dig Deeper: Read about other translocation initiatives in India.
