Bhubaneswar: A Royal Bengal tiger from the Kanha Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh is on its way to the Satkosia Tiger Reserve in Odisha’s Angul district in a special vehicle. It is for the first time that a wild cat is being relocated to a different state in the country.
The relocation is a part of the State government’s efforts to revive tiger population in the protected forest. Currently, the 963 sq-km reserve has two tigers, both over the age of 13, sources said.
A joint team of forest officials from Madhya Pradesh and Odisha along with staff from the National Tiger Conservation Authority are accompanying the tiger to ensure its safety.
As per reports, five more tigers will be brought to Satkosia in subsequent phases. The human habitation in the core area of Satkosia has already been evacuated in view of the relocation.
The vehicle with fan and water sprinklers carrying the male tiger is expected to reach Satkosia by Thursday evening, informed sources
Meanwhile, a special enclosure has been put up at the Satkosia to facilitate the entry of deer and other prey for the tiger.