Historic First: Tigress Airlifted from Madhya Pradesh to Rajasthan in India’s First Inter-State Tiger Translocation

In a landmark achievement for wildlife conservation in India, a tigress has been successfully translocated from the Pench Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh to the Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan, marking the country’s first-ever inter-state tiger translocation by airlift. The operation is being hailed as a major step towards strengthening tiger population and ecological balance in the region.

After nearly 25 days of meticulous planning and coordination, the mission was executed from late Sunday night to early Monday morning under tight security and expert supervision.

Airlifted by Indian Air Force Helicopter

The tigress was airlifted from Pench Tiger Reserve on Sunday night at around 10:15 pm using an MI-17 helicopter of the Indian Air Force and brought to Jaipur Airport. From there, under strict monitoring and security arrangements, she was transported by road at 6:35 am on Monday to the Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve in Bundi district, via Uniara.

Forest officials confirmed that all logistical and safety arrangements were completed well in advance to ensure a smooth and stress-free transfer for the animal.

A First for Rajasthan and the Nation

This is the first time in India that a tigress has been relocated across state boundaries through airlifting, setting a new benchmark in wildlife management and conservation strategy. Officials and staff of the Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve remained on high alert to facilitate the tigress’s safe release into her new habitat.

Tranquilisation and Health Check at Pench

According to information released by the Kota office of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, the tigress was tranquilised on Sunday afternoon at Pench Tiger Reserve by a team of wildlife experts. A comprehensive health examination was conducted by veterinarians, and a radio collar was fitted around her neck to enable continuous tracking and monitoring.

After completing all required medical and administrative procedures, the tigress was cleared for air transport to Rajasthan.

Boost to Breeding and Ecological Balance

Madhya Pradesh’s Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Shubh Ranjan Sen said the tigress had been identified earlier for translocation. Estimated to be around two and a half years old, she was re-tranquilised on Sunday to refit the radio collar, which had fallen off earlier.

Wildlife officials believe that this historic translocation will significantly contribute to enhancing tiger breeding potential, strengthening genetic diversity, and maintaining ecological balance in the Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve.

Now settled in her new territory, the tigress is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of tiger conservation in Rajasthan.