A tigress from Similipal Tiger Reserve was seen in Purulia, West Bengal after wandering away.

In the state of West Bengal, a tigress has been causing quite a stir as it roams around the Purulia district. This three-year-old tigress, originally from Maharashtra, had been brought to the Similipal Reserve Forest and fitted with a radio collar for monitoring. However, it seems that she has wandered off and is now being closely watched by forest personnel.

The Chief Wildlife Warden of West Bengal, Debal Roy, shared that the tigress had initially crossed over from Jharkhand and had been spotted in Jhargram and Paschim Medinipur districts. This area is known for its dense forests and is often referred to as the ‘Jangalmahal’ belt. When asked about reports of another tigress from Similipal also escaping and returning to her old habitat, Roy stated that they had no information on this matter.

He clarified that there was only one tigress, whether she goes by the name Zeenat or Jamuna, that had strayed from Similipal and is currently roaming around West Bengal. The forest officials are keeping a close eye on her movements, and so far, she has not displayed any aggression. Roy also mentioned that the Odisha forest department is assisting in monitoring the tigress's movements.

According to another forest official, this behavior is not uncommon for tigers, as they often wander long distances in search of a new territory. This tigress has already covered a distance of 50 km since leaving Similipal. The official also added that the neighboring states' similar habitat may have acted as a corridor for her, and efforts are being made to guide her back to her home in Similipal.

The tigress's current location has a low prey base, and the officials hope that she will eventually return to the reserve forest, where there is an abundance of prey. However, if she does not return on her own, the authorities are prepared to tranquilize her and bring her back to Similipal. The tigress, named Zeenat, was brought to Similipal along with another tigress, Jamuna, from Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra to introduce a new gene pool to the tiger population.

The field director of Similipal Tiger Reserve, Prakash Chand Gogineni, shared that Zeenat had wandered into Jharkhand before making her way into the forests of West Bengal. Both the forest departments are working together to track her through her radio collar and guide her back to Similipal. However, if she does not return, tranquilization may be used as an alternative to bring her back to her home in the core area of the reserve.

It is reassuring to know that the tigress is in good health, and efforts are being made to ensure that there is no conflict between humans and animals. The officials hope that she will return to her home in Similipal, where she will find an abundance of prey and a safe habitat.

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