The recent odyssey of Zeenat, a three-year-old tigress, has spotlighted the complexities and challenges of wildlife translocation in India

Originally relocated from Maharashtra's Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve to Odisha's Similipal Tiger Reserve, Zeenat's unexpected journey through multiple states has raised concerns about the efficacy of current translocation protocols and the coordination between state wildlife authorities.

Translocation and Unexpected Journey

In November 2024, Zeenat was translocated to Similipal as part of Odisha's initiative to enhance the genetic diversity of its tiger population. However, within weeks, she embarked on an unanticipated journey, traversing approximately 300 kilometers over 21 days through Odisha, Jharkhand, and into West Bengal's Bankura district. This extensive movement not only complicated tracking efforts but also underscored the challenges in ensuring the safety and well-being of translocated wildlife.

Capture and Controversy

On December 29, 2024, after a concerted 21-day tracking effort, West Bengal forest officials tranquilized Zeenat in Bankura district. Contrary to the National Tiger Conservation Authority's (NTCA) Standard Operating Procedure (SoP), which mandates the return of such animals to their original habitat, Zeenat was initially moved to Kolkata's Alipore Zoo. This decision drew sharp criticism from Odisha officials and wildlife experts, who emphasized the importance of minimizing human interaction to prevent imprinting and ensure successful reintegration into the wild.

Intervention by NTCA

Responding to the situation, the NTCA directed West Bengal's Chief Wildlife Warden to promptly relocate Zeenat back to Similipal, citing violations of established protocols. The NTCA's intervention highlighted the necessity of adhering to standardized guidelines to maintain the integrity of wildlife translocation efforts and ensure the well-being of the animals involved.

Return to Similipal

Complying with the NTCA's directive, a team from West Bengal facilitated Zeenat's transfer back to Similipal. Upon her return, she was released into a soft enclosure within the reserve's core area, where she will be closely monitored to assess her health, behavior, and adaptation to the environment. This monitoring is crucial to ensure her successful reintegration and to gather data that can inform future translocation projects.

Implications for Future Translocations

The challenges encountered during Zeenat's translocation have prompted Odisha to reassess its plans for future tiger relocations. The state had intended to introduce additional tigers from Madhya Pradesh to bolster its tiger population. However, the erratic movements of Zeenat and another tigress, Jamuna, have led to a cautious approach, with officials delaying further translocations until a thorough evaluation of the current protocols and strategies is conducted.

Inter-State Coordination and Protocol Adherence

This incident underscores the critical importance of seamless coordination between state wildlife departments and strict adherence to NTCA guidelines. Deviations from established protocols can lead to complications that jeopardize the safety of the animals and the success of conservation efforts. Enhanced communication and collaboration between states are essential to address the challenges inherent in wildlife translocation and to ensure the long-term success of such initiatives.Zeenat's journey serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities involved in wildlife conservation, particularly in translocation projects aimed at genetic diversification and population management. The lessons learned from her experience highlight the need for meticulous planning, adherence to protocols, and robust inter-state collaboration to navigate the challenges of wildlife translocation effectively. As India continues its commitment to tiger conservation, integrating these lessons will be vital in ensuring the success and sustainability of future efforts.