Balasore, Dec 21: Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) is facing mounting challenges as two tigresses—Jamuna and Zeenat—cause concern for state wildlife officials. While the wait for Zeenat’s return from Jharkhand continues, Jamuna, the first tigress translocated from Tadoba in Maharashtra to Simlipal, has moved out of the reserve to the nearby Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary in Balasore.
Sources said, Jamuna ventured beyond the protected area on the night of Sunday, December 16, and entered the forests of Kuldiha. Since then, the 31-month-old female tigress has been exploring the landscape, prompting STR authorities to collaborate with the Balasore Wildlife Division to monitor her movements.
This development adds further pressure to the already strained wildlife management team, which has been working around the clock to bring Zeenat back to Similipal. Zeenat, who had strayed into Jharkhand on December 9, has yet to return to the reserve, and wildlife officials are still tracking her movements in the neighboring state.
Deputy Director of Similipal South, Samrat Gouda, clarified that Jamuna’s movement outside the reserve is not unusual, as the Similipal-Hadgarh-Kuldiha corridor, which was declared a conservation reserve last year, is a natural route for big cats.
Gouda added that Jamuna has traversed the Similipal area three to four times in search of a suitable site to establish her territory, and the team, along with Balasore wildlife officials, is monitoring her movements closely. "We are hopeful she will establish her territory in the Similipal landscape soon."
Jamuna was translocated to Similipal on October 28, as part of an effort to boost the tiger population and enhance genetic diversity in the reserve. She was released into the core area of the reserve on November 9. Gouda confirmed that Jamuna’s health and behavior remain normal, and she continues to adapt to her new environment.
Meanwhile, the STR team remains stationed in Jharkhand to assist local wildlife officials in tracking Zeenat’s movement. Zeenat is currently located in the same forest block in Jharkhand where she had strayed earlier this month, and authorities are hopeful she will return to Similipal soon.
As the situation develops, officials in both states are working together to ensure the safety and proper monitoring of these two crucial tigresses.
