Rise in Similipal tiger count to spur dispersion of males

Bhubaneswar: Steady rise in big cat population in Similipal Tiger Reserve has prompted wildlife authorities to foresee a trend of tigers dispersing from the reserve to neighbouring forest divisions, sanctuaries or even outside the state.

While such dispersion is natural on the part of male tigers as they quickly try to establish their own territory, wildlife experts said it is important for the wildlife wing to maintain a good prey base in neighbouring forests to limit tigers within Odisha.

Citing example of T-33, a male tiger of Similipal, field director Prakash Gogineni said he moved into Anandpur wildlife region from Similipal in 2025 and tried to explore new territory there. “Tiger T-33 finally returned to Similipal, as proved by camera trap evidence. But the tiger sustained itself for a year there, indicating prey base was good. If tiger numbers rise further (which certainly will), dispersion of males will happen,” Gogineni added.

In Feb 2024, the all-Odisha tiger census report released by the govt pegged the big cat count at 30, up from National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)’s estimation of 20 tigers in the state as per 2021-22 census. The NTCA released the report on July 29, 2023. But the state conducted its own almost a year later.

Similipal recorded 27 tigers — seven normal colour females and four males and seven melanistic females and six males (all captured on camera trap) — three were not captured on camera but the wildlife wing got evidence.

“More than two years have passed since the census results came out. As as per our assessment, Similipal has 32 tigers now. The All India Tiger Estimation report is likely to come in end-July and that will reveal where Similipal stands in terms of growth of population of big cats. In my view, it will not be less than 40 tigers,” said a senior wildlife officer, preferring anonymity.

Similipal authorities also observed that the dispersion of male tigers is also expected to help isolated Yamuna, currently in Kuldiha sanctuary, get a mate. Yamuna, like Zeenat, was brought from Tadoba-Andheri Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra but since its release in Similipal in Oct 2024, it has stayed confined to Kuldiha.