Bantala: The state government’s attempt to boost the tiger population in Satkosia Tiger Reserve (STR) in Angul district by bringing in a Royal Bengal Tiger (RBT) from Madhya Pradesh has yielded results, a report said.
Yuvraj, a male tiger brought from MP’s Kanha Tiger Reserve (KTR) has got his mate inside STR. The big cat from MP has mated a tigress, which was earlier inside the STR, at least four times and they responded well to each other. However, the outcome of their mating would be known after six months with the detection of pregnancy of the tigress, forest officials said.
It may be recalled that Yuvraj was brought from KTR June 21 while Sundari, a tigress, was brought from Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (BTR) June 28. The two were put inside an enclosure near Raiguda range and Yuvraj was released into the forest July 6. The forest department has earmarked a territory in 20 km in length connecting Nuakheta, Bodar, Nuagada, Teesing, Kuahuli and Labangi areas which would be Yuvraj’s area of roaming. Yuvraj met the tigress within this limits and they always remain within a range of 200 to 300 mt from each other. Forest officials have witnessed the new guest twice over last 40 days, sources said, adding, he seemed docile as he likes to avoid the presence of human beings.
Meanwhile, Yuvraj hunts every two to three days. So far, he has hunted two boars, two sambar deer, three deer.
It may be noted that more than 200 remotely activated camera traps have been installed inside the STR to track the movement of tigers. This apart, the movement of Yuvraj is being monitored through satellite which is connected with the radio collar attached to his neck.
At least 30 forest personnel have been deployed to keep a tab on the tiger round the clock. The tigress from BTR would be released into the forest following the direction of the government, it was learnt.
When contacted, additional principal chief conservator of forest Sudarshan Panda said Yuvraj is in good health and preyed 10 animals.
PNN