4 days ago

Similipal Plans Radio Collar Removal for Tigress Zeenat

Zeenat is a tigress living in Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve.

She was brought there from another tiger reserve in Maharashtra in November 2024.

At first, she moved near the edge of the reserve, which worried officials.

Later, she returned and settled into the forest.

She then had four cubs in May.

Because she is doing well, officials plan to remove her radio collar remotely around October or November.

The collar can come off without putting her to sleep.

Officials will keep watching Jamuna and are seeking approval to bring in another tiger pair.

Key facts

Translocation: Zeenat and Jamuna were moved from Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve to Similipal in November 2024.
Breeding result: Zeenat gave birth to four cubs in May.
Planned collar removal: Authorities expect to remotely release Zeenat’s collar around October or November.
Removal method: The collar has a remote-release mechanism, avoiding the need to tranquilise Zeenat.
Current monitoring: Zeenat’s movements are monitored through her radio collar and VHF transmitter.
Jamuna’s status: Jamuna is using the Kuldiha landscape and has not yet reproduced.
Proposed second phase: Authorities are awaiting approval to introduce another male-female tiger pair from Central India.

thestatesman.com · 4 days ago