By | Pravin Kadam
Satara: A historical moment for Maharashtra’s wildlife conservation efforts, the first and only female tiger under the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR) rewilding programme was successfully released into the natural forest of Chandoli National Park on Friday morning. The rare event marks a breakthrough in the ongoing mission to rebuild a stable tiger population in the Sahyadri landscape.
A Historic First for Sahyadri
The female tiger, STR T-04, had been housed inside a controlled Soft Release Enclosure, where she underwent systematic adaptation and observation.
Although the enclosure gate was opened on 18 November, the tiger chose to stay inside for two days, hunting her own prey and displaying natural survival behaviour.
At 8:00 am on 21 November 2025, the big cat finally stepped out gracefully and confidently, heading deep into the forest — a moment officials describe as “a special milestone for Sahyadri”.
Scientific Adaptation Before Release
After arriving in Chandoli, T-04 went through a detailed habituation and behavioural assessment process. Wildlife experts and veterinarians from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) monitored her daily, documenting her movement patterns, prey response, territorial markings, and weather adaptability.
She was declared fully fit for independent wild survival by the WII team.
24×7 Monitoring Through Satellite & Field Teams
To ensure scientific post-release tracking, the tigress is equipped with a radio collar, enabling continuous monitoring through Satellite Telemetry and VHF tracking.
A joint team from Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, Chandoli National Park and WII has been deployed for round-the-clock supervision.
Satellite and VHF-based movement data, Ground verification by field teams, Habitat use, movement patterns and hunting records,Human–wildlife conflict prevention, A dedicated veterinary rapid-response mechanism, Officials Hail a New Chapter in Sahyadri’s Tiger Recovery
Tushar Chavan, Field Director, STR“ The tigress displayed excellent adaptation inside the enclosure and showed behaviour consistent with wild survival. She is completely fit and ready for a natural life. With WII’s support, we are implementing a responsible, scientific monitoring plan. This is a crucial step for Sahyadri’s tiger restoration.”
M.S. Reddy, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Maharashtra, Maharashtra’s tiger conservation efforts follow long-term scientific strategies. This tigress has adapted well to the environment and is exhibiting natural behaviours. Continuous monitoring by STR and WII will significantly strengthen conservation in Sahyadri.”
Strong Inter-Departmental Coordination
The release was conducted under the guidance of Field Director Tushar Chavan and WII scientist Dr. Ramesh Kumar, supported by a large team of forest officers, honorary wildlife wardens, and ground staff across Chandoli, Helwak, Koyna, Patan, Dhebewadi and Amba ranges.
Boost for Sahyadri’s Future Tiger Tourism
Officials believe this milestone will strengthen the region’s ecological balance and pave the way for future tiger tourism in the Sahyadris, bringing new opportunities for local communities and conservation awareness.
This successful release stands as a defining moment for Maharashtra’s wildlife efforts — the beginning of a new chapter for female tiger recovery in the Sahyadri landscape.
