Orphaned Tiger's Rewilding Journey Ends in Tragedy

A rewilded sub-adult male tiger, part of Madhya Pradesh's tiger expansion initiative, has been found dead within the Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary. The tiger, approximately 33-35 months old, was relocated from Kanha Tiger Reserve to Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve as part of efforts to increase tiger presence in suitable forest areas.

This tiger had a unique history, having been rescued as an orphaned cub from Pench Tiger Reserve about three years prior. It was subsequently reared and trained in natural hunting skills within a rewilding enclosure at Kanha Tiger Reserve before being assessed as ready for independent survival.

The relocation to Nauradehi, chosen for its extensive forest tracts and lower tiger density, was conducted under expert supervision with the tiger fitted with a satellite radio collar for monitoring. Officials believe its death is a blow to the long-term strategy of establishing a stable tiger population in the Nauradehi landscape.

A post-mortem examination is scheduled to determine the exact cause of death, with analysis of the radio collar data also planned. No foul play has been confirmed at this time.