𝗦𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗸𝗮, 𝗥𝗮𝗷𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻: Concern grows as a sub-adult tiger, T-2305, has been missing from the Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR) since August 10. The tiger, born to tigress ST-17, has not been seen on camera traps or during direct sightings for over two months in the Akbarpur range. This disappearance raises alarm as STR struggles with habitat degradation, primarily caused by human activity, unregulated cattle grazing, and vehicle traffic.
The vanishing of T-2305 comes at a time when male tiger ST-24 has also left the reserve to explore the Jamwa Ramgarh forest near Jaipur. Another tiger, T-2303, has been spotted near the Haryana border. Experts suggest that such movements are a direct result of habitat conditions deteriorating due to human-induced disturbances.
𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗸𝗮
Sariska has been grappling with a disturbed habitat, making it difficult for tigers to thrive. Increasing human-wildlife conflict, encroachments, and a lack of proper prey base in parts of the reserve have put immense pressure on the tiger population. Former wildlife officials, including ex-chief conservator of forests RN Mehrotra, emphasize the need for urgent measures to restore these forest areas to support the growing population of tigers.
The critical Akbarpur range, now notorious for poaching, poses a significant threat. The disappearance of tigers in this region is not new. Nearly two years ago, ST-13, a dominant male, also disappeared without a trace. In 2018, another tiger was shot by poachers near the area, further highlighting the need for stringent anti-poaching measures.
𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
Forest officials are battling resource constraints as they try to increase patrolling and monitoring to prevent further loss of wildlife. Despite deploying additional teams after the monsoon, the search for T-2305 remains challenging. Experts are calling for a collective effort from both the forest department and local administration to address grazing and human interference in the buffer zones of STR.
The future of Sariska’s tiger population depends heavily on improving habitat conditions and curbing human-wildlife conflict. Whether the young tiger will return or meet the same fate as others before it remains uncertain, but the urgency to protect these majestic animals has never been more critical.
This article summarizes the missing tiger incident while emphasizing the challenges faced by Sariska Tiger Reserve, in alignment with JungleTak’s wildlife conservation narrative.
