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Operation to Capture Tigress Zeenat

Operation to Capture Tigress Zeenat

29-12-2024

1. Background:

  1. Zeenat is a 3-year-old tigress that escaped from Similipal Reserve Forest in Odisha on December 10.
  2. After escaping, she has been on the run for over two weeks, moving between Odisha, West Bengal, and Jharkhand.
  3. Last Known Locations: She was last seen in Bandwan (Purulia district, West Bengal) on 26 december and has since moved to Dangardi forests in Manbazar (Purulia).

2. Efforts to Capture Zeenat:

  1. Teams Involved: The West Bengal Forest Department has sent out four Hula (torch) party teams to track and capture Zeenat.
    1. Normally, these teams are used to drive elephants away from human areas but are now helping with the tigress operation.
  2. Capture Attempts: Despite many efforts, Zeenat has avoided capture so far.
  3. Zeenat’s Caution: It is believed she has already been trapped before, so she is now avoiding traps.

3. Challenges Faced:

  1. Goat Attacks: Zeenat has killed 3 domestic goats, which has caused fear in the local community.
  2. Bait Problems: The presence of domestic goats makes it hard to use goats as bait to lure her into traps.
  3. Human-Tiger Conflict: The tigress is staying near human settlements, so there are concerns about potential conflicts.

4. Strategies Being Used:

  1. Traps and Bait: The team has set up traps and is using goats as bait to capture Zeenat.
  2. Technology: They are using drones with thermal imaging, night vision equipment, and monitoring teams to track her.
  3. Fencing: Fencing has been put up near human areas to keep Zeenat away from people.

5. Public Safety Measures: Forest officials are asking locals to stay indoors and avoid going into the forests to stay safe.

6. Updates and Plans: A meeting was held to plan new strategies, and teams are now spread across Purulia’s mountains and forests to help with the capture.

7. Zeenat's Background: Zeenat was moved from Tadoba (Maharashtra) to Similipal to help increase the tiger population in Odisha.

About Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR)

1. Location:

  1. Region: Located in Mayurbhanj District, in the northern part of Odisha.
  2. Surroundings: The reserve is surrounded by high plateaus and hills. The highest peaks are Khairiburu and Meghashini (1,515 meters above sea level).

2. History and Designation:

  1. Tiger Reserve: Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1956.
  2. Project Tiger: Included in the Project Tiger initiative in 1973.
  3. UNESCO Recognition: Recognized as part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO in 2009.

3. Terrain and Vegetation:

  1. Terrain: The landscape is undulating and hilly, with open grasslands and wooded areas.
  2. Vegetation: The area has a mix of forests, mainly Northern tropical moist deciduous forests, along with patches of semi-evergreen forests.
  3. Unique Feature: It is the only place in the world known for melanistic (black) tigers.

4. Flora (Plant Life):

  1. Plant Species: There are 1,078 plant species, including 94 species of orchids.
  2. Dominant Tree: The Sal tree is the dominant species in the reserve.

5. Fauna (Animal Life):

  1. Large Mammals: The reserve is home to animals like the leopard, gaur, elephant, barking deer, spotted deer, and sloth bear.
  2. Small Mammals: Includes langur, mongoose, pangolin, flying squirrel, and porcupine.
  3. Reptiles: Reptiles like the python, monitor lizard, and turtle are found here.
  4. Birds: The reserve is home to many bird species.

6. Cultural Importance: Tribal Communities: The reserve is inhabited by several indigenous tribes, including Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, Bhatudi, Gondas, Khadia, Mankadia, and Sahara.

What is the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)?

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body under India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

  1. Established: In 2005 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
  2. Role: The NTCA works to strengthen tiger conservation efforts in India through:
    1. Policy formulation
    2. Monitoring
    3. Providing financial assistance to tiger reserves.

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