The state forest authorities are preparing to bring two tigresses from Maharashtra to improve genetic diversity alongside 11 gaurs from Madhya Pradesh, in the first phase of a plan to restore their population in the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve.
The Maharashtra government has accepted AP’s proposal to translocate two female tigers to the reserve. These would arrive by December 15. An enclosure near Kurupulu in the Markapur division has been readied to keep the animals for 35 to 40 days before releasing them into the wild.
The idea is to widen the gene pool and reduce the risks associated with limited genetic diversity, including vulnerability to diseases and possible extinction. The NSTR currently has 60 to 65 adult tigers and 17 cubs.
The forest authorities wrote to the national tiger conservation authority seeking approval from its technical committee.
The department also plans to bring nearly 50 gaurs from Madhya Pradesh in three years, beginning with an intake of 11 animals. The initiative is intended to restore the gaur population in the reserve, where the species existed earlier but subsequently disappeared for various reasons.
An enclosure is being prepared for the gaurs The animals would be kept there for 35 to 45 days before being released into the wild. The remaining gaurs would be brought in phases after the animals adjust to the new environment.
Meanwhile, the forest authorities have established 27 new base camps, or anti-poaching camps, with permanent structures, in addition to the existing 87. Another 10 camps are planned to strengthen surveillance and prevent poaching, snaring and other illegal activities.
Additional principal chief conservator of forests and chief wildlife warden Rahul Pandey said, “We have stepped up vigil by setting up more base camps and enhanced patrolling to ensure protection to the wildlife animals in the NSTR.”
Forest officials said no major incidents involving wild animals, including tigers, had been reported after security was strengthened.
However, a leopard was found dead about 25 days ago. The carcass bore marks of a territorial fight with another leopard, while the body was intact. Officials attributed the death to the fight.
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