India’s First Interstate Tiger Airlift: Tigress to Move from Madhya Pradesh to Rajasthan

Bundi, Rajasthan: In a historic first for India, a tigress will be airlifted from Pench Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh to Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan next week. The move, aimed at strengthening the genetic diversity of Rajasthan’s tiger population, marks the country’s first interstate tiger translocation by air.

A Strategic Move for Genetic Diversity

The initiative, facilitated under the guidance of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, received approval from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for the use of a military helicopter. The tigress will be transported safely within approximately two hours, compared to a 24-hour journey by road, reducing the risk of injury and stress. This step is part of Rajasthan’s broader plan to establish a genetic bridge between tiger populations across states.

Past Precedent

While this is the first interstate tigress airlift, a similar operation occurred in 2008 when a male tiger was moved from Ranthambore Tiger Reserve to Sariska Tiger Reserve by air.

Planning and Execution

The process began a month ago when ACS Anand Kumar requested the Defence Ministry’s permission for the airlift. Initial approval was not granted, but with recommendations from Chief Wildlife Warden Shikha Mehra and senior IFS officer Rajesh Gupta, the Speaker intervened to facilitate the plan.

Future Plans

Wildlife officials confirmed that after this tigress, 4–5 more tigresses will be brought from other states to Rajasthan over the coming months. These new arrivals, combined with existing tigers in Ranthambore and Ramgarh, will help strengthen the population and support successful breeding programs across Rajasthan’s tiger reserves.