In a significant achievement for the Tiger Recovery Project, radio collars of two translocated tigresses were removed after both have successfully settled in new habitat at Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, officials said.
According to the officials, the radio collars of translocated tigresses—STR-T-4 and STR-T-5—were successfully removed on April 9 and April 10, 2026, after officials confirmed that both had fully adapted to their new habitat.
The tigresses have established territories within the Chandoli Wildlife Division, marking a key milestone in the ongoing conservation initiative.
Background of the Tiger Recovery Project
The movements and behaviours were closely monitored using radio telemetry and camera traps by forest officials and experts. Pic/Sahyadri Tiger Reserve
The Tiger Recovery Project, launched in 2017, is a joint initiative involving the State Forest Department, the Wildlife Institute of India, and the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
The project aims to revive tiger populations in selected reserves through habitat improvement, prey augmentation, and translocation.
Prey base strengthened before translocation
Before relocating tigers, authorities implemented Phase I of the Prey Augmentation Programme between 2017 and 2022 to improve the availability of prey species.
Following its success, Phase II of the project was launched with approval from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Translocation and monitoring
Under the programme, eight tigers (three males and five females) were relocated from Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve and Pench Tiger Reserve to strengthen the population in the reserve.
STR-T-4 and STR-T-5 were released into the wild in November and December 2025 after being fitted with radio collars.
Their movement and behaviour were closely monitored using radio telemetry and camera traps by forest officials and experts.
Successful adaptation and integration
The officials have removed their radio collars. Pic/Sahyadri Tiger Reserve
After four to five months of monitoring, both tigresses were found to have adapted well to their surroundings and established independent territories.
Camera trap footage also confirmed their interaction with resident male tigers—STR-T-1, STR-T-2, and STR-T-9—indicating successful integration into the ecosystem.
Encouraging signs for breeding
With the tigresses now fully settled, the officials have removed their radio collars and will continue monitoring them through camera traps.
Officials said the successful adaptation and interaction with resident tigers indicate a strong possibility of breeding in the near future. This could significantly boost the tiger population in the reserve and mark a major success for the conservation programme.