Kolhapur: Sahyadri Tigers Given Popular Names; ‘Senapati’, ‘Subedar’ and ‘Baji’
Kolhapur: Sahyadri Tigers Given Popular Names; ‘Senapati’, ‘Subedar’ and ‘Baji’
Kolhapur, September 25, 2025: In a heartening show of community involvement, local residents around the Sahyadri Tiger Project have named three of the project’s tigers as ‘Senapati’, ‘Subedar’, and ‘Baji’. These popular names reflect the locals’ pride in their tigers and have strengthened the bond between the community and the big cats, fostering a spirit of conservation alongside public participation.
Tiger Names Given by Locals:
STR–T1: Senapati
STR–T2: Subedar
STR–T3: Baji
Tushar Chavan, Field Director, Sahyadri Tiger Project, Kolhapur
“The local community has given these affectionate names to the tigers in the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve. This initiative raises awareness, builds a deeper connection with the animals, and adds momentum to conservation efforts. Names like ‘Senapati’, ‘Subedar’, and ‘Baji’ also remind us of Sahyadri’s rich history and heritage.
Currently, under the special initiative Operation ‘Tara’, efforts are underway to bring a tigress from Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) to Sahyadri. This operation is expected to enhance biodiversity and ensure a sustainable increase in the tiger population in the region.”
A New Direction in Community Engagement and Conservation:
Allowing locals to name the tigers is a unique form of social participation that strengthens emotional ties with wildlife. Combined with scientifically guided initiatives like Operation ‘Tara’, these efforts are injecting new energy into tiger conservation. The Sahyadri Tiger Project’s integration of community involvement, conservation, and eco-tourism is set to become a model for future initiatives.
