Roaming Tigress Sparks Concerns on Gondia Outskirts

A tigress released into the core of Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve has ventured near residential areas on Gondia's outskirts, according to the forest department. Previously identified as NT-3, this tigress had broken free from its radio collar. Efforts are being made to mitigate any risk of man-animal conflict.

A tigress released in the core of Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve on April 11 has ventured near residential areas on Gondia's outskirts, a forest department official said Thursday.

The tigress is one of three big cats released in NNTR on May 20 last year and April 11 this year after being radio collared. Of the three, NT-1 moved to Madhya Pradesh, NT-2 settled in the reserve, and NT-3, which was freed of its radio collar before being found in Koka Wildlife Sanctuary, has ventured out again.

NT-3 has been spotted in forests near Gangazari, Kharra, Pangdi, Junewani, and Dhakni, which are part of the corridor connecting Nagzira with Kanha in Madhya Pradesh, according to a forest department official. Range Forest Officer Anil Kaushik said efforts are underway to prevent the tigress from moving towards Madhya Pradesh and to ensure no man-animal conflict occurs. Forest staff are monitoring the tigress' movements and advising villagers to avoid venturing out at night.

(With inputs from agencies.)