Tiger brought from MP settles down in Odisha

The Royal Bengal tiger, which was translocated from Madhya Pradesh's Kanha Tiger Reserve, has shown all signs of settling down in Odishas' Satkosia sanctuary, an official said on Saturday.

"The tiger has shown all sign of settling down in the enclosure. The tiger hunted a wild boar, released into the enclosure, and ate at around 2.30 am on Friday," said Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Sandeep Tripathi.

The big cat, brought here to increase the tiger population in the sanctuary, had an hour-long bath in an artificial pool inside the enclosure, he said.

"We are closely monitoring the activities of the male tiger. It will be in the enclosure for sometimes. We will decide to release the tiger into the forest after a thorough observation," Tripathi added.

The enclosure is fitted with both GPS and a satellite tracker and tight security arrangements have been made with the installation of night vision cameras for round-the-clock surveillance.

The tiger would be released in the forest as per the recommendations of the National Tiger Conservation Authority scientists and specialist veterinary officials, said an official.

The state government has decided to bring three pairs of tigers from Madhya Pradesh into the Satkosia Tiger Reserve to increase the tiger population in the sanctuary, which has presently two big cats.

--IANS

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