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Time of India

TATR All Set to Translocate 500 Chitals to NNTR to Boost Prey Base for Tigers

Chandrapur: The Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) management is set to begin translocating 500 spotted deer (Chitals) from Chandrapur to the Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve (NNTR) in Gondia as part of the ongoing wildlife management project. The initiative aims to strengthen the prey base in NNTR, which has fewer herbivores and, consequently, a lower population of carnivores. The forest department launched the tiger relocation project to curb man-animal conflicts in Chandrapur and Yavatmal districts by shifting excess tigers to NNTR. In the first two phases, a few tigers, both from Yavatmal and Bramhapuri division in Chandrapur, were relocated last year. "Like big cats, the herbivore population in NNTR is also low. A robust prey base is essential for the relocated tigers to survive and thrive. Hence, we will move 500 Chitals from TATR to NNTR in phases from September this year," said a TATR official. In the first phase, approximately 100–150 Chitals are expected to be relocated, followed by the remaining Chitals in subsequent months. Large enclosures—known as Bomas- have been prepared at TATR and NNTR. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Could This NEW Collagen Blend Finally Reduce Your Cellulite? Vitauthority Learn More Undo TATR authorities will capture the chitals that have gathered in the Boma, before relocation. Similarly, after translocation, the deer will be kept in Bomas for acclimatisation before being released into the wild. The herbivores will be introduced in ranges including Umarzari, Koka, Navegaon Park, and Dongargaon Bonde within NNTR. TATR deputy director (Core) Anand Reddy said preparations are in the final stages. "The Boma is ready in TATR, and transport vehicles are being modified for the purpose. The capture operation will begin in September, and translocation will start simultaneously when the first batch is ready for translocation," he said. ACF Vivek Nathu, who is supervising the project, claimed that two vehicles, each with a capacity of 30-35 animals, are being modified. Nathu claimed that the translocation will be a coordinated operation between the TATR and NNTR. The NNTR authorities have also prepared release closures in their area where these translocated chitals will be kept for acclimatisation. After the first batch is acclimatised and released in the jungle in NNTR, the next batch of spotted deer will be translocated from here, he explained. Covering 653.67 sq km, NNTR boasts dense forests but has limited grassland—vital for both herbivores and predators. The management is addressing this by planting more grass species to support a sustainable ecosystem for its wildlife. The state government in a letter dated December 27, 2024, provided permission for the capturing and translocation of 500 cheetahs from TATR to NNTR on set conditions. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.