T6 migrates, experts hopeful of tigress mating with another ‘migrant’

Nagzira tigers have a history of migration because of a slew of reasons like lopsided sex-ratio, uneven spread of prey base and human-dominated landscape. But it is only the males that are known to have migrated earlier.

Experts say females generally tend to stay in the core area with future of bringing up family in a secured ambience on their mind. Despite that T6 moved 70 km from Nagzira, preferring to cross state and national highways, agriculture fields and human habitation.

The Indian Express had highlighted migration of Jay, a male tiger from Nagzira, to Umred-Karandla in Nagpur district, 100 km away, in search of a mate. Tigresses, however, are not known to wander such long distances. According to field director of NNTR Sanjay Thawre, “We don’t know why T6 and the male tiger, seen in Navegaon for past two months, have come there. We are hoping that these two tigers — currently about five km apart — will eventually come together and start a family.”

Tigress found dead in Chandrapur

A three-year-old tigress was found dead on the western fringes of the buffer area of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) at Chandrapur district on Thursday. With blood oozing out of the mouth but without any injury mark, the reason behind the tigress’ death is still unclear.