After seeking the Centre’s nod for shifting of tigers from Ranthambhore to Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve, the Rajasthan government has asked for permission to bring tigers from other States for their rehabilitation and cross-mating in order to develop strong breeds of the big cat.
State Forest and Environment Minister Gajendra Singh said two tigers could soon be relocated from the Ranthambhore National Park to the Mukundara Hills tiger reserve, located in the Hadoti region, which has been waiting for the big cats since its establishment in 2013.
Mr. Singh, who met Union Environment and Forest Minister Harsh Vardhan in New Delhi on Friday, said the Sariska Tiger Reserve in Alwar district, where the tiger population had vanished a few years ago, had brought back a significant number of big cats. More tiger couples could be rehabilitated there, he added.
The Minister pointed out that shifting tigers to Rajasthan would help resolve the problem of hereditary diseases among them and improve their breeds through cross-mating.
He also sought the Centre’s assistance in the relocation of villages situated in the National Park areas and conservation of forest land.
The Mukundara Hills is the third notified tiger habitat in the State, after Ranthambhore and Sariska. Though it was established to cater to the spill over tiger population from Ranthambhore, the majestic cat is still missing from its wildlife population.
