Four Female Tigers to Be Relocated to Andhra Pradesh to Strengthen Genetic Pool
Andhra Pradesh is set to receive four female tigers from Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh to enhance the genetic diversity and population of the species in the state. The announcement was made by Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Environment & Forests, K. Pawan Kalyan, on the occasion of International Tiger Day, Wednesday.
Two of the tigers will be translocated from Chandrapur in Maharashtra, and the other two from Madhya Pradesh. The move aims to improve the genetic variability of tigers in Andhra Pradesh, which is crucial for the long-term survival of the population.
In addition to the translocation, the number of anti-poaching camps in the Nagarjunasagar–Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR) will be increased from 89 to 150. This expansion is part of the state government's efforts to strengthen protection against poaching and human interference.
Mr. Pawan Kalyan emphasized that a tiger is not only India's national animal but also a symbol of the country's forest wealth, biodiversity, and ecological balance. 'Protecting tigers means safeguarding forests, water resources, wildlife, and our natural heritage,' he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister noted that International Tiger Day serves as a reminder of the global commitment made in 2010 for tiger conservation. He highlighted India's role as a model in tiger protection, with initiatives like Project Tiger making the country home to nearly 75% of the world's tiger population.
The NSTR, located in the Nallamala forests, is the largest tiger reserve in India, spanning approximately 5,443 square kilometers. It provides a safe habitat for leopards, bears, wild dogs, and hundreds of other wildlife species. According to recent estimates, the NSTR–Seshachalam region is home to 68 tigers and 11 cubs, a result of conservation measures including improved prey populations and grassland development.
The state government has been employing modern monitoring systems such as drones and camera traps for effective surveillance of the forests. Mr. Pawan Kalyan said the coalition government is dedicated to preserving ecological balance and called for concerted efforts to ensure the tiger's roar continues to echo in the Nallamala forests. He extended greetings to forest officials, wildlife conservationists, scientists, environmentalists, and tribal communities for their active partnership in forest protection.
In a related development, the Deputy Chief Minister virtually inaugurated the Guchimi Kumki Elephant Camp in Parvathipuram-Manyam district, aimed at mitigating human-elephant conflicts. He noted that Kumki elephants Jayanth and Abhimanyu had worked efficiently during complex operations in the Palamaner region, and that human-elephant conflicts have been reduced by over 70% through the use of modern technology.
