Maharashtra’s Operation TARA Sees First Tigress Translocated From Tadoba To Sahyadri Tiger Reserve
Maharashtra’s Operation TARA Sees First Tigress Translocated From Tadoba To Sahyadri Tiger Reserve
Maharashtra, November 14, 2025: The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has approved the translocation of eight tigers (three males and five females) from the Tadoba–Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) and Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) to the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR).
The Maharashtra Forest Department has successfully relocated a young tigress, T20-S-2, from Tadoba–Andhari Tiger Reserve to Sahyadri Tiger Reserve under the State’s long-term tiger revival effort, “Operation TARA.” The entire programme is being carried out under the scientific guidance of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) to support the recovery of the tiger population in the Sahyadri landscape.
The tigress, about three years old, was safely captured in the Khadsangi Range of Tadoba as per NTCA norms. She received full veterinary care during the operation, and was transported in a dedicated wildlife vehicle to Sahyadri Tiger Reserve.
She has now been soft-released into the Sonarli enclosure for acclimatization and observation before she is gradually integrated into the wild. The process was carried out with strict safety protocols and close monitoring.
The veterinary team was led by Dr. R. S. Khobragade, Veterinary Officer (Wildlife), TATR, Chandrapur, who ensured the tigress remained healthy and stress-free during the operation.The tigress was transported by road in a special wildlife transport vehicle of Sahyadri Tiger Reserve. She has been soft-released into the Sonarli enclosure, where she will be closely observed and slowly acclimatized before being released into the wild phase by phase.
This successful translocation marks an important milestone for tiger conservation in Maharashtra. It reflects the coordinated effort of the Tadoba and Sahyadri teams, who worked together with scientific precision.
The Forest Department remains committed to long-term monitoring and habitat restoration to make Sahyadri a strong and thriving tiger landscape once again.
Sahyadri Tiger Reserve Tushar Chavan, IFS, Field Director, STR: “Operation TARA is a big step forward for Sahyadri. The soft release of this tigress marks the beginning of a scientifically planned recovery programme. Our team carried out the process smoothly and with full responsibility. With WII’s support, we will continue careful monitoring to rebuild Sahyadri as a strong tiger habitat.”
Statement by Chief Wildlife Warden, Maharashtra M S Reddy, IFS, Chief Wildlife Warden, Maharashtra, “This successful translocation is an important milestone in reviving the tiger population of Sahyadri. I congratulate the teams of Tadoba and Sahyadri for their coordinated, professional, and scientific efforts in executing this operation.”
