Tigress Zeenat’s ‘escape’ into Jharkhand forests leaves Odisha officials in soup

Tigress Zeenat has left wildlife officials in Odisha perplexed after wandering into the Jharkhand forests, sparking a conservation conundrum. Zeenat, initially brought from Maharashtra to Odisha's Similipal National Park as part of a tiger conservation initiative, embarked on an unexpected journey, raising questions about her return.

Since her careful introduction to Similipal around 45 days ago, Zeenat was continuously monitored. Yet on December 10, she ventured through the Bisoi and Bangiriposi forests, eventually crossing into Jharkhand.

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Currently, she roams in Chakulia and Rajabasa regions near Jamshedpur, remaining elusive as four days have passed with no sign of return. The tigress has ventured approximately 35 kilometres from her starting point and 20 kilometres beyond Odisha's borders.

To track Zeenat, forest officials have employed radio collars and satellite technology, with a joint team of 30 officers from both Odisha and neighbouring Jharkhand actively monitoring the situation. Efforts are underway to entice her back, though tranquilisation is a last-resort option.

Speculation surrounds Zeenat's departure, with former officials suggesting a lack of prey, the search for a mate, or the need to establish territory as possible reasons. This scenario has cast doubt on the forest department's management of such relocations, despite the tracking measures in place.

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Conservation experts express concern that Zeenat’s familiarity with the terrain of her home state, Maharashtra, may pose challenges for her assimilation back into Similipal in Mayurbhanj district. All eyes remain on the forest department’s actions in resolving this intriguing case.

“Tigress Zeenat has strayed into Jamshedpur division and is now in Chakulia forest for the last three days. We are monitoring her movement round the clock through three teams,” Similipal Regional Chief Conservator of Forests (RCCF) Prakash Chand Gogineni said OTV.

“We are hopeful that the tigress will move in the reverse direction,” the RCCF added.