1

Reintroduction of Tigers in India: A case study

from the Sariska Tiger Reserve. BY

R S Shekhawat

CF, Ajmer, Rajasthan

Abstract:

Re-introduction of tigers from Ranthambhore National Park to Sariska National Park

is based on report entitled “Assessment of Status of Tigers (Panthera tigris)” in

Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan, Wildlife Institute of India, 2005 and subsequent

„Recovery Plan (Revised)‟ developed by Field Director, Sariska Tiger Reserve.

Reintroduction should establish self-sustaining populations with high

reproductive fitness in the wild environment and ample genetic diversity (Frankham

et al., 2002). It was suggested that three tigress and two tigers may be brought from

Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve to re-establish the tiger population in Sariska (Sankar et

al. 2005). It was also suggested that after establishing five tigers, two batches of two

to three tigers should be brought every three years to Sariska. The restocking is

essential to maintain genetic and demographic viability of tiger population. The

genetic stock of the tigers of Ranthambhore and Sariska Tiger Reserves may be

assumed to be similar as both habitats are part of semi- arid tracts in Aravalli hills,

therefore to maintain the uniqueness of genetic stock of tigers in semi arid tract the

best choice will be Ranthambhore tigers.

Since the tiger population is dwindling drastically in its entire distribution

range and Sariska which is the western most distribution of tigers (Wikramanayaka et

al., 1999) has seen its complete extinction once, over time, it has grown even more

necessary to monitor and study the relevant holistic, ecological and socio-economic

aspects that will address important issues like population dynamics, demography,

2

territory size, dispersal, food habits and response to anthropogenic disturbance of the

introduced tigers.

Key Words

Re-introduction, extinction, self-sustaining, genetic diversity, population dynamics

,monitoring, tranqualization, gene pool ,camera trapping , Transect lines , GPS

,Territory , anthropogenic , dispersal , disappearance , habitat ,PIP ,Supplimentation .

Introduction

Re-introductions has proved to be a valuable tool for the recovery of the

species that have become either globally or locally extinct in the wild (Woodroffe,

1999). Reintroductions can also give us an insight into the reasons of disappearance of

a species from the areas where they formerly occurred, but it requires that it is

genuinely experimental and properly monitored (Sutherland, 2004). Reintroduction is

one such promising tool which has an important role to play in the current carnivore

restoration efforts. But reintroduction programmes are expensive and time consuming

affair and corresponding success rates are low which makes it difficult to justify

spending precious conservation money in favour of reintroductions as against other in

situ conservation measures (Pullin, 2002). Therefore it becomes highly imperative

that reintroductions are based on sound scientific principles and methodology so that

the success rates are high and the efforts are fruitful enough. The reintroduction and

recovery of the Florida Panther (Puma concolor) in Florida, USA during early 1980‟s,

reintroduction of African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) in Africa in 1990‟s are two such

instances on large carnivores that enriched our knowledge about the science and

management of carnivore reintroductions.

Re-introduction of tigers from Ranthambhore National Park to Sariska

National Park is based on report entitled “Assessment of Status of Tigers (Panthera

tigris)” in Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan, Wildlife Institute of India, 2005 and

3

subsequent „Recovery Plan (Revised)‟ developed by Field Director, Sariska Tiger

Reserve. Approval for the reintroduction of tigers in Sariska was taken in a meeting

convened by National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) on 12-03-08 under the

chairmanship of Sh. V.P. Singh, Member of Parliament. The grant of permission to

translocate tigers from Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve to Sariska tiger Reserve was

accorded by the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Govt. of India vide its letter

F.No. 1-4/2007WL-I(pt) dated 25-06-08. Accordingly, Wildlife Institute of India

developed a detailed protocol and plan of operation on immobilization, radio-

collaring and translocation of tigers from Ranthambhore to Sariska. A team from

Wildlife Institute of India and Rajasthan Forest Department was deputed to conducted

and facilitate above operation. A suggestion to translocate initial population of five

tigers (two males and three females) from Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve

(Ranthambhore) was made, with a supplementation of three tigers (one male and two

females) in every two years for a period of six years.

The disappearance of tigers in Sariska during 2004 exemplifies the threat that

exists to isolated tiger populations in many of parts of the country (Sankar et al.,

2005). Based on the past trends and experiences, it is sensible to presume that such

losses and local extinctions in future will be more frequent and we will have to

undertake immediate reintroduction and restoration programs to save our natural

heritage. It is perhaps not an isolated situation, and the recent national scale

assessment reported that tigers have gone locally extinct from 97 districts in the last

150 years (Qureshi et al., 2006). As per 2010 Tiger Estimation in country there has

been 12% reduction in tiger occupancy area .

Reintroduction should establish self-sustaining populations with high

reproductive fitness in the wild environment and ample genetic diversity (Frankham

et al., 2002). It was suggested that three tigress and two tigers may be brought from

Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve to re-establish the tiger population in Sariska (Sankar et

al. 2005). It was also suggested that after establishing five tigers, two batches of two

to three tigers should be brought every three years to Sariska. The restocking is

essential to maintain genetic and demographic viability of tiger population. The

4

genetic stock of the tigers of Ranthambhore and Sariska Tiger Reserves may be

assumed to be similar as both habitats are part of semi- arid tracts in Aravalli hills,

therefore to maintain the uniqueness of genetic stock of tigers in semi arid tract the

best choice will be Ranthambhore tigers. Adult tigers over two and half years of age is

considered good for capture and re-introduction due to ideal medical fitness, as the

body at this age has higher resistance to diseases, physical strength to take on the

stress of relocation, fertility, response/behavior when confronted with human/tourist

are the important features that make a final choice.

Since the tiger population is dwindling drastically in its entire distribution

range and Sariska which is the western most distribution of tigers (Wikramanayaka et

al., 1999) has seen its complete extinction once, over time, it has grown even more

necessary to monitor and study the relevant holistic, ecological and socio-economic

aspects that will address important issues like population dynamics, demography,

territory size, dispersal, food habits and response to anthropogenic disturbance of the

introduced tigers.

Three tigers were reintroduced respectively during June-July 2008 (a male – ST1

and a female – ST2) and February 2009 (female – ST3) from Ranthambhore TR to

Sariska TR. Another two tigers (a male – ST4 and a female – ST5) were reintroduced

from Ranthambhore during July 2010. The first reintroduced tiger ST1 was found

dead on 14th

November 2010 at Rajore near a village Kalakhet in Sariska. Thereafter,

another adult male tiger (ST6) which had strayed out from Ranthambhore and got

settled in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur was translocated to Sariska in February

2011.Two female tigress ST-9 & ST-10 were relocated in january 2013.

Material and Methods

The capture and translocation of tigers

Five adult tigers (3 females & 2 males) were chemically immobilized and

radio-collared in Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve during the period from 23rd

June to 4th

July, 2008. Young adults of approximately two and half years to four years were

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selected based on visual assessment and healthy body condition. Tigers were

immobilized in early forenoon hours except one male which was immobilized in early

afternoon because of the favourable conditions due to clouds and ambient temperature

being around 320C. A mixture of Xylazine and Ketamine (500 mg + 400 mg, HBM)

was used as 2.5 ml for females and 3.2-3.5 ml for males. The mixture provides

synergistic effect and most appropriate where carnivores need to be sedated for longer

time. In the present case, it was visualized that the immobilized animals may be

required to be kept for 2-3 hrs under sedation considering the time from sedation and

radio-collaring and to the transport at the helipad site. A water container and sprayer

were kept available to manage possibility of animal body overheating due to sedation.

A 250 kg container (length 5‟ 11”, breadth 3‟ 6.5” and height 3‟ 10”) was fabricated

with non-slip wooden planks on the bottom and angle iron frames on sides and top for

the transport of the animals. Two small windows were kept on the top of the container

and also on two sides of the container for monitoring the animal during transportation

and injection of medicaments if needed. Ventilation holes of 25 mm were created at

regular intervals all over the container for proper ventilation. Care was taken to keep

the container dark from inside so that the animal remains calm during the transport. A

small truck was used to transport the tiger in its container from the site of

immobilization to the helipad inside Ranthambhore. An Indian Air Force helicopter

(M17) was used to transport the tiger from Ranthambhore to Sariska.

Amongst the five tigers immobilized and radio-collared, one adult male and

one adult female was selected to be shifted to Sariska. The selected candidates, a tiger

and tigress were chemically immobilized in Ranthambhore using a mixture of

Xylazine and Ketamine (500 mg + 400 mg, HBM) on 28th

June and 4th

of July, 2008

respectively. The location of the animal capture in Ranthambhore. The captured

tigers were fitted with radio-collars (VHF-Argos-Satellite), kept under sedated

condition in a container and transported to Sariska by helicopter. During the transport

to Sariska, tigers in the container were monitored every 5 minutes It was observed

that the respiration of animals was regular and deep. Color of the conjunctiva was

monitored continuously for any signs of cyanosis. The air journey from

Ranthambhore to Sariska took 45 minutes for both the animals. Both tigers which

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were shifted to Sariska remained under sedation with vital functions within normal

ranges. In Sariska the tiger and tigress were released in to a 1 ha enclosure on 28th

June and 4th

of July, 2008 respectively. A visual barrier fixed along the enclosure

allowed the tigers to settle inside the enclosure without any stress and disorientation.

The tiger was released in to wild after 8 days of observation on 6th

July, 2008 and the

tigress was released in to the wild on 8th

July 2008 after three days of observation.

Thereafter on 25th

of February 2009 another tigress was chemically immobilized and

fitted with VHF radio-collar near Guda in Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. She was then

airlifted and brought to Sariska Tiger Reserve by Indian Air force MI-17 helicopter

following all the same precautionary protocols as taken for the first two individuals.

After bringing to Sariska Tiger Reserve she was kept inside the 1 ha enclosure for two

days. On 27th

February the tigress was released in to the wild. In a similar way two

male and one female tigers were also reintroduced from Ranthambhore to Sariska in

July 2010 (a male and a female) and january 2011 (a male – strayed out of

Ranthambhore and located in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; shifted from KNP

to Sariska). In February, 2013, two tigresses were shifted to Sariska from

Ranthambhore. The details of the occasions of the reintroduction are shown as below.

Tiger ID Date of reintroduction (soft

release)

Date of release in the wild

ST1 (Male) 28.06.2008 (By Air) 06.07.2008

ST2 (Female) 04.07.2008 (By Air) 08.07.2008

ST3 (Female) 25.02.2009 (By Air) 27.02.2009

ST4 (Male) 20.07.2010 (By road) 27.07.2010

ST5 (Female) 28.07.2010 (By Air) 01.08.2010

ST6 (Male) 23.02.2011 (By road) 28.02.2011

ST9 (Female) 22-02-2013 (By road) 28.02.2013

ST 10 (Female) 23-02-2013 (By road) 28.02.2013

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The radio-collared tigers were monitored continuously round the clock by a

team of researchers and forest officials through ground tracking (VHF) using `homing

in‟ and „triangulation‟ techniques (Deat et al., 1980, Macdonald and Amlaner 1980,

White and Garrot 1990). The satellite data up-linking in both the radio-collars stopped

functioning by mid-September 2008. Thereafter the tigers were tracked only by VHF

signals (ground tracking). In total, 437 locations for tiger, 463 locations for tigress-1

and 229 locations for tigress-2 were obtained using a Global Positioning System

(GPS). These positions were later transferred in to Sariska map required for home

range estimation. Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP) technique was used for home

range calculation (Mohr 1947, Anderson 1982, Southwood 1996). The advantage of

the MCP is that it is one of the oldest techniques for home range estimation,

comparable between species globally and its inclusion as one or more methods of

range calculation is therefore valuable.

All the re-introduced tigers were monitored periodically. All the radio

locations were recorded of these individuals along with all the parameters already

mentioned above. A total of 342, 759, 762, 612, 560 and 286 radio locations were

recorded respectively of the first to sixth tigers (ST1 to ST6) in the period of the last

one year (2010-2011). The annual home ranges of these tigers were calculated

respectively as 152.4, 45.9 and 95.9 sq. km. for respectively ST1, ST2 and ST3. The

MCP of area occupied by ST4, ST5 and ST6 till June 2011 were estimated as 204.7,

184.9 and 208.2 sq. km. These large home range sizes were attributed to their initial

habitat exploration after reintroduction. Gradually it was found that all the first five

tigers were well settled with in the best available habitats in Sariska. ST6 had only

spent four months in Sariska so far. The present monthly areas of utilization of these

five tigers (ST2 to ST6) were estimated respectively around 40, 85, 140, 70 and 205

sq. km. Before the reintroduction of fourth and fifth tigers, the first tiger (ST1) was

found to almost cover up the territories of second and third individual (ST2 & 3).

ST4 was observed to utilize the south eastern part of Sariska and also the forests of

Rajgarh range of Alwar territorial division situated beyond the south-eastern part of

Sariska during August to November 2010, where as, ST5 had selected her territory in

the eastern hilly terrain of Sariska. After the death of ST1 in November 2010, ST4

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was seen to move and utilize all the areas used by ST1 previously, covering the

territories of all the three females (ST2, 3 & 5). Hence, the range of ST4 was

increased to more than 200 sq. km. from 65 sq. km. After the translocation of new

male tiger ST6 in February 2011, a division in range utilization was observed as ST6

was found to utilize the areas covered under ST3‟s territory. The range of ST4 was

thus reduced from 205 to 107 sq. km at present covering territories of rest two females

(ST2 & 5).

TRANSCLOCATION OF TWO ORPHANED/ STRAYING TIGRESSES FROM

RANTHAMBHORE TO SARISKA TIGER RESERVE (JANUARY 2013)

Approval for translocation of two sub-adult tigresses from Ranthambore to Sariska

was obtained from NTCA. A team of Scientists from Wildlife Institute of India

reached Ranthambore on 20th

January, 2013 to carry out translocation of 2 identified

sub-adult tigresses (cubs of T-5) to Sariska National Park. The plan of operation as

provided by WII was discussed at length and the field level planning and

preparedness was checked by the team.

22nd

January, 2013

The team reached the site Amaghati Chowki, Sawai Madhopur range, Ranthabore

Tiger Reserve during early hours of the morning. It was informed by the patrolling

team that both the identified tigresses (Orphaned cubs of T-5) named Bina 1 and Bina

2 made a kill during early hours and were hiding in the Prosophis juliflora thicket.

After making necessary preparations for darting the animals the team proceeded to the

kill site on a vehicle (Gypsy). As none of the animals appeared initially, the darting

vehicle was placed behind a thicket with clear vision on the kill. The animal (Bina 1)

appeared from the thicket at about 0720 hrs. The animal was darted from a distance of

15 meters using a mixture of Medetomidine and ketamine employing Dan Inject

equipment model JM at 0723 hrs. Though the animal showed signs of sedation;

anaesthesia safe for handling was not achieved even after 20 minutes. Animal reacted

to disturbance as manifested by ear twitching and sudden reaction. Supplemental dose

of 200 mg of ketamoine and 2 mg of medetomidine was remotely delivered at 0746

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hrs. After ensuring adequate sedation safe for handling, the animal was approached,

positioned and blindfolded. As the animal was amidst thicket it was shifted on to a

stretcher and brought out in the open area. The physiological parameters were

checked and after ensuring stabilization, the animal was fitted with Telonics

VHF/GPS/ARGOS radio- collar. Body measurements, animal weight and biological

samples were taken following which the animal was crated in the transport container.

Based on the records available with the Department and physical examination of the

animal, the age was estimated as ≥ 2 years. The animal weighed 122 kgs. The crate

was loaded onto a mini truck and minimal disturbance was ensured till the initiation

of journey. The animal was revived from sedation using reversal drugs.

Though search for the second animal was made for almost two hours subsequently, no

signs (direct/ indirect) of the other animal were noticed. The team decided to move

the already crated animal to Sariska by road. The physiological parameters of the

animal were monitored throughout the journey. The physiological parameters were

within normal range and the journey from Ranthambore to Sariska took 6 hrs. The

container was offloaded adjacent to the enclosure at Naya Pani in Sariska. The tigress

was released at 1640 hrs. Soon after release the animal made a kill of wild pig inside

the enclosure. The animal was left undisturbed and was intensively monitored by

team comprising WII Researchers and forest officials of Sariska Tiger Reserve. The

tigress in Sariska Tiger Reserve has been given a local ID of ST9.

23rd

January 2013

The team again assembled at the site during early morning hours. The patrolling team

reported that though the tigress had made a kill in the morning, it moved into the

thicket on sight of human and vehicles. The darting team waited at the kill site for

almost an hour but animal could not be located. The second patrolling team however

provided information of animal sighting near a water spring. The darting team

immediately rushed to the site. Animal was seen resting in the thicket and after

sometime came on the road. The animal was immobilized using a mixture of

Medetomidine and ketamine employing Dan Inject equipment model JM at 0804 hrs.

The animal upon darting moved into the thicket and was left undisturbed for almost

15 minutes to ensure proper drug induction. The animal was approached after 20

minutes of darting and was found in perfect plane of anaesthesia safe for handling.

The animal was shifted onto a stretcher and brought out after clearing vegetation into

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the open area. The animal was fitted with a Telonics VHF/GPS/ARGOS radio-collar

and body measurements, animal weight and biological samples were taken. The

animal was of similar age as the earlier animal however weighed 133 kg. The animal

was crated in the transport container and antidote for medetomidine was given.

Animal revived within 6 minutes of antidote administration. The road journey was

initiated and the journey from Ranthambore to Sariska took 6 hrs. The animal was

intensively monitored inside the container during the entire journey. The transport

container was offloaded adjacent to the enclosure II at Sariska. The animal was

released into the enclosure in Sariska at 1536 hrs. The tigress in Sariska Tiger Reserve

has been given a local ID of ST10. The monitoring team reported that the animal soon

after release in the enclosure made a kill of a male Sambar (Rusa unicolor) inside the

enclosure. The animal was left undisturbed and was intensively monitored by team

comprising WII Researchers and forest officials of Sariska Tiger Reserve.

Both the animals were intensively monitored inside the enclosure till 28th

January 2013 following which the gates of the enclosure were opened. The animal

(ST9) moved out of the enclosure at 1730 hrs and ST10 at 1930 hrs.

Intensive monitoring of both the animal is being carried out jointly by Rajasthan

Forest Department and Wildlife Institute of India at Sariska Tiger Reserve.

Field Protocol for the Monitoring of Reintroduced Tigers

At present there are seven reintroduced tigers in Sariska Tiger Reserve (ST2-

female; ST3 – female; ST4 – male, ST5 – female, ST6 – male, ST9 – female and ST

10 – female). This revised protocol is suggested for the monitoring of these tigers on a

daily basis as well as their reporting to the pertinent authorities.

Deployment of monitoring teams:

Five monitoring teams deployed for ground tracking for each tiger on a daily

basis.

Each monitoring team will be comprised of one Sariska field staff and one

field assistant from Wildlife Institute of India (WII).

Each team will be supervised by an ACF / range officer of STR and also by

the research scholar of WII.

Facilities and equipments:

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Each monitoring party provided with motor bike. This will ensure intensive

and cost-effective monitoring with minimum disturbance to the tigers.

A multi channel radio-receiver, an antenna and a coax cable provided to each

team.

One GPS and a compass provided to each team for recording locations.

Data sheets for recording tiger locations, kills and scats is given.

Free dry rations provided to remotely placed chowkies (Ghanka, Banna,

Phatakhora, Malajorka, Kankwadi, Bhagani, Bhainsota, Deori, Slopka, Umri,

Siliberi, Rotkala, Kiraska, Sukola and Tarunda for the monitoring teams

through local external support / forest department (Sariska Tiger Conservation

Foundation).

The wages of the five field assistants to be engaged with each team provided

by WII.

Sleeping bags/mattresses and winter cloths provided to these above-

mentioned remote chowkies to facilitate the night halt of the dedicated teams.

Two tiger monitoring camps set up at strtegic beats on hill tops to monitor the

movements of two male tigers ST4 and ST6 respectively.

A panel of three forest staff for monitoring each tiger from four ranges has

been prepared. One of them will be given the task of monitoring each

individual tiger for a period of 15 days after every one month.

Responsibilities:

Each monitoring team is assigned to receive signals from the radio-collars of the

reintroduced tigers as well as to record their pugmarks and direct sightings and

document information in required format.

They enter the GPS locations of tiger through signals, pugmarks, scent marks,

scratch marks etc as well as record information of their kills. Scat samples also

be collected by field monitoring team. WII will provide kits for collecting scat

samples.

Each team have to inform the movements of tiger along with other

information in required format on a daily basis to the wireless control station

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of STR and keep the record of the same. The wireless control station will

intimate progress to concerned supervisory officer.

Wireless control station will also provide information in writing to WII

research scholar on a daily basis in required format.

The supervising team will surveil the activities of the monitoring teams and

cross check the radio-signals and locations of the tigers.

The maintenance and periodic change of batteries and occasional repair of the

radio-telemetry equipments will be looked after by WII research scholar.

Daily report on tigers‟ status (location, movement, kills and scats) will be

reported to the DFD of STR, CWLW Rajasthan and PI of monitoring of

reintroduced tigers‟ project (Dr. K. Sankar), WII by the research scholar.

Later on, month wise, seasonal and annual reports will also be prepared and

the same will be sent /submitted to the Field Director, Sariska, CWLW &

PCCF, Rajasthan Forest Department, Director WII and member secretary

NTCA.

Team Name: Data sheet for recording tiger locations in Sariska Tiger

Reserve by field monitoring team

Sl.

No

Date Time Beat Range Place GPS location

(Lat and Long)

Tiger

ID

Ob

serv

ati

on

*

Ha

bita

t

Ty

pe*

*

Ter

rain

**

*

Rem

ark

s

* Observation = 1. Radio-signal / 2. Pugmark/ 3. Direct sighting / 4. Scat / 5. Scratch

mark / 6. Scent mark

** Habitat type = 1. Anogeissus forest / 2. Boswellia forest / 3. Zizyphus forest / 4.

Acacia forest / 5. Butea forest / 6. Riverine forest / 7. Scrubland. *** Terrain type =

1. Flat / 2. Gentle Slope / 3. Steep Slope.

Data sheet for recording tiger locations in Sariska Tiger Reserve by

wireless control station staff

13

Sl. No Date Time Beat Range Place Tiger

ID

Observation* Remarks

* Observation = 1. Radio-signal / 2. Pugmark / 3. Direct sighting / 4. Scat / 5. Scratch

mark / 6. Scent mark

Team Name: Data sheet for recording tiger kills in Sariska Tiger Reserve by field

monitoring team

Sl. No Date Time Beat Range Place GPS location

(Lat and Long)

Kill made

by tiger

(ID)

/ leopard

Species*

Killed

Age** Sex

M /

F

Ha

bita

t

Ty

pe*

**

Ter

rain

**

**

Rem

ark

s

* Species killed = 1. Sambar, 2. chital, 3. nilgai, 4. wild pig, 5. common langur, 6.

peafowl, 7. porcupine, 8. hare, 9. cattle, 10. buffalo, 11. goat. **Age = 1. Adult / 2.

sub adult / and 3. fawn or calf.

*** Habitat type = 1. Anogeissus forest / 2. Boswellia forest / 3. Zizyphus forest / 4.

Acacia forest / 5. Butea forest / 6. Riverine forest / 7. Scrubland. **** Terrain type =

1. Flat / 2. Gentle Slope / 3. Steep Slope.

Data sheet for recording tiger kills in Sariska Tiger Reserve by wireless control station

staff

Sl. No Date Time Beat Range Place Kill made

by tiger (ID)

/ leopard

Species*

Killed

Remarks

* Species killed = 1. Sambar, 2. chital, 3. nilgai, 4. wild pig, 5. common langur, 6.

peafowl, 7. porcupine, 8. hare, 9. cattle, 10. buffalo, 11. goat.

Team code: Data sheet for recording tiger scats in Sariska Tiger Reserve

by field monitoring team

Sl.

No

Date Time Beat Range Place GPS location

(Lat and

Long)

Scat of

Tiger (ID) Sca

t

Co

nd

ition

*

Ha

bita

t

Ty

pe*

*

Ter

rain

**

*

Rem

ark

s

14

than a week old) / 4. Very old (more than a month old)** Habitat type = 1.

Anogeissus forest / 2. Boswellia forest / 3. Zizyphus forest / 4. Acacia forest / 5.

Butea forest / 6. Riverine forest / 7. Scrubland. *** Terrain type = 1. Flat / 2. Gentle

Slope / 3. Steep Slope.

15

Range Map of Sariska Tiger Reserve

Ë

Ë

Ë

Ë

To Jaipur

To Alwar

To Rajgarh

Tehla Range

Sariska Range

Talviriksh Range

Akbarpur Range

27°5

' 27°5

'

27°1

0' 2

7°1

0'

27°1

5' 2

7°1

5'

27°2

0' 2

7°2

0'

27°2

5' 2

7°2

5'

27°3

0' 2

7°3

0'

27°3

5' 2

7°3

5'

27°4

0' 2

7°4

0'

76°15 '

76°15 '

76°20 '

76°20 '

76°25 '

76°25 '

76°30 '

76°30 '

76°35 '

76°35 '

GIS Ce ll, M arch-20 05

RoadË Range Head Quarter

N

5 0 5 km

Map 2

Karnakawas beat

Tiger enclosure at the release sites

16

Occupancy map of five reintroduced tigers (ST2, ST3, ST4, ST5 & ST6)

17

Results and Discussion

Mammalian carnivores are characterized by classic relationship with their

prey. It seems that carnivores are closely tied with prey size, prey biomass and

disturbance factors (Karanth et al., 2004, Carbone and Gittleman, 2002,

Sidensticker et al., 1999). Prey density is critical to maintenance of large carnivore

population. Looking at current socio-political scenario it is important to maintain

core-breeding areas for tigers at landscape level. In any given National Park, it is

important to maintain mini-cores as a source area for tiger and its prey. In Sariska

Tiger Reserve, the Sariska-Pandupole valley and adjoining hills (ca. 100 km2) is

the only area, which can be considered as mini-core. The reported presence of

breeding tigers in this area till 2004 indicate relatively undisturbed core. The

Sariska National Park (ca. 274 sq km) could possibly support 15 tigers (95%

Confidence Interval: 10 to 21) based on tiger-prey equation developed by Karanth et

al., (2004) (Sankar et al., 2005). The ten villages from Core Zone (Notified

National Park area), once relocated may make 274 km2

area available free from

biotic interference which can support at least 15 adult tigers (Sankar et al., 2005).

Since the re-introduction of tigers in Sariska, the protection measures have been

increased by the park authorities by the construction of new chowkies at Bana,

Phata Khora, Mala Johadka and Bhagani and posting of field staff permanently in

these chowkies. Night patrolling by forest staff on pre-determined routes has been

initiated in Tiger Reserve since the re-introduction of tigers. In addition, vintage

points were developed for surveillance over the valleys to detect illegal activities

such as livestock grazing, lopping, wood cutting, poaching, grass cutting and forest

fire. These areas are as follows:

i) Five points in Bana forest overlooking Dholkiya, Majhi, Kabari, Bhivani,

Kalighati, Dwaraka and Bheru Ghati areas.

ii) One point near Bana chowki over looking Maujnath areas.

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iii) One point at Kotwali paj over looking Tarundi area, Haripura and Karnakavas

areas.

iv) Three points over top of Ghonsla Johadi (near Slopka) over looking Slopka

anicut, Chimaraj, Umri and Siliberi areas.

v) Three points at Naldi forest over looking Naldi valley, Naladeshwar and

National Highway # 13 between Kushalgarh and Bara.

For effective patrolling, five new anti-poaching patrolling tracks cum fire lines were

created which are as follows:-

a) On Bana forest from new wall to Kabari Gate (5 km).

b) On Bana – Rajor track from Chhali paj to Baghera Hodi covering Majhi and

Dholkiya valley and to provide linkage between Bana and Kankwari area (5 km).

c) From Bana – Phatyakhora track to Kotwali pass (1 km)

d) Ghonsla johadi (Slopka) to view point (1.5 km) and

e) Kiraska Kund to Naldeshwar hill top (5 km).

Masonry walls to prevent livestock grazing and encroachment of forest areas

were constructed at Strategic places.So far 15 km length wall has been constructed.

There are 170 famlies in Kankwari village due for relocation to Bardod

Rundh. Out of which 95 families under option-II (6 Bigha Agriculture land and 600

sq. yards land for house construction and 3.5 lacs Rupees) and 39 families under

option-I (Rs. 10.00 lacs) have consented. For option-II, houses have been already

constructed, thirty families have already been relocated to Bardod Rundh and their

houses at Kankwari have been dismantled. The families which have not consented for

shifting so far are being persuaded. Out of total 85 families in Umri village, all

families have consented under option-I and option-II. The village has been

completely relocated in 2012. Rotkala village has been completely relocated in year

2012. Village Sukola, Kiraska, Haripura and Devri are the other four villages which

are in the process of relocation.

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As part of habitat improvement weeds like Adhatoda vasica, Cassia tora and

Prosopis juliflora are being removed from several parts of the Tiger Reserve

especially at Sariska, Karnakabas, Kali Chontari, Algual, Tarunda, Buja, Kalighati,

and Bhagani areas.

Earthen ponds have been created at suitable places to provide water to wild animals

through out the year. Several existing water holes/ponds/anicuts have been de-silted to

increase their water holding capacity.

CONCLUSION

The re introduction of Tigers in Sariska Tiger Reserve ,a colloborative effort of

Rajasthan Forest Department , National Tiger Conservation Authority and Wildlife

Institute of India has been highly successful initiative of its kind for the first time in

World. The sucess was replicated in Panna Tiger Reserve where reintroduced tigers

have successfully bred.The techenique has been standardized for translocating of

tigers, monitoring of reintroduced tigers, genetic variation of indidual tigers etc.The

Standad Operating Procedure (SOP) will be of great help in reviving Tiger in suitable

habitats in former range of distribution.

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The Indian Air force MI-17 Helicopter used in transportation of tigers

from Ranthambhore to Sariska

The enclosure site at Sariska constructed for soft-release of re-

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introduced tiger

Radio collaring in Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve for translocation to Sariska

The radio-collared in Sariska Tiger Reserve

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