December 26th 2024.
The state governments of Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh have come together to participate in an animal exchange program. As part of this program, 14 tigers from Madhya Pradesh's Bandhavgarh, Panna, Kanha, and Pench tiger reserves will be relocated to other states. Two tigers will be sent to Odisha, four to Rajasthan, and eight to Chhattisgarh, under the supervision of a certified veterinarian.
An official order from the state Forest Department has emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of these big cats during the transfer process. The government has also made it clear that the entire cost of translocation will be covered by the receiving states, with the necessary approval from the Centre.
This is not the first time Madhya Pradesh has participated in the animal exchange program. In fact, just recently, the state sent two Bengal tigers from Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve to Gujarat. In return, they received two Asiatic lions - one male and one female - from Sakkarbaug Zoological Park in Gujarat. The lion couple has been kept at Bhopal's Van Vihar National Park for quarantine and medical examination.
This exchange of animals is a significant step towards preserving the diversity and population of big cats in the country. Madhya Pradesh has been recognized as the 'Tiger State' for several years now, with more than 785 tigers out of the 3,800 in the country. The state is home to six tiger reserves, including Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Panna, Pench, Sanjay Dubri, and Satpura. And with the recent approval from the Centre, two more tiger reserves - Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary and Madhav National Park - will be added to the list.
The process of translocating these tigers is not an easy one. It involves a nine-member team obtaining approval from the Central Zoo Authority and traveling over 900 kilometers to Junagadh Zoo in Gujarat. The tigers and tigresses from Van Vihar National Park were kept in quarantine for care and medical examination upon their arrival in Bhopal.
Overall, this animal exchange program is a crucial step towards preserving the endangered species of tigers and lions in India. With the cooperation of multiple states and the necessary precautions taken during the transfer process, we can hope to see an increase in the tiger population and a brighter future for these majestic creatures.
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