The tiger captured in Sivasagar, Upper Assam, is released into the wild in Manas National Park
Conflict tiger released in Manas
Manas (Assam), April 5, 2010: The conflict tiger that was captured early last week in Sivasagar, Upper Assam, was released in the core area of Manas National Park on Friday. The tiger is currently being monitored using radio-telemetry.
The tiger - an adult male - had attacked three people near Geleki, Sivasagar leading to the death of two. It was tranquilised and captured by a team of Forest Department staff assisted by the International Fund for Animal Welfare – Wildlife Trust of India (IFAW-WTI) last Monday. The tiger was kept at the IFAW-WTI run Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) for close to 70 hours, even as the authorities discussed its release with experts from the state.
“Ideally, any ‘stray’ animals that are rescued are released in or close to the site of rescue. However, in this tiger’s case, it was essential to find an alternative release site, as Geleki Reserve Forest from where the tiger could have originated, is extremely fragmented,” clarified Dr NVK Ashraf, Director, Wild Rescue programme, WTI.
Manas National Park, Nameri National Park and Joypur Reserve Forest were shortlisted as potential sites for the tiger’s release. Manas National Park was selected as the most suitable area as IFAW-WTI team already has a presence there to carry out the required post-release monitoring of the tiger.
“We think, Manas has a good prey base and good habitat for tigers. Even though there are others dominant males here, we hope this adult tiger will not have any conflict with them and will be successful in making its own territory very soon,” said A Swargiary, Field Director, Manas National Park.
The tiger was translocated to Manas from CWRC on Thursday evening. Prior to its release, the tiger was radio-collared by a team led by IFAW-WTI veterinarian Dr Bhaskar Choudhury.
“This is the first tiger released into the wild in Manas. We are extremely happy and excited to have this tiger back in the wild. Now we are monitoring the tiger with the hope that it settles down and establishes a territory in Manas,” said Dr Choudhury.
The team involved pose for a photograph following the release of the tiger
