A few years ago, the Sariska tiger reserve was faced with a great tragedy when the entire population of tigers was wiped out. This year, in a groundbreaking effort to preserve the species, an endangered Bengal tiger was relocated to the Sariska tiger reserve. The young male tiger was airlifted from the Ranthambore tiger reserve by the Government of Rajasthan and the Central Government with the help of WWF for Nature. The tiger is in good health and appears to be adapting to his new surroundings. More tigers are expected to be introduced in the near future.
“Tiger numbers are dwindling at an alarming rate and it is imperative we take action now to keep them from disappearing altogether,” said Sybille Klenzendorf, director of WWF’s Species Conservation Programme. There may be as few as 1,400 wild tigers remaining in India and fewer than 4,000 wild tigers left in the world.
Populations are fast declining due to poaching — killing for their skin and parts — and habitat loss. This relocation is the first of its kind in India and a testimony to the government’s intent to preserve the iconic species.
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