A wave of relief swept through conservation circles as officials confirmed the rediscovery of 10 tigers missing from Rajasthan’s famed Ranthambore National Park. These tigers were located through camera traps, bringing some solace to the growing concern over the disappearance of 25 tigers from the park over the past year. However, the mystery deepens as 15 tigers remain unaccounted for, prompting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding their absence.
The alarm bells were first sounded on November 6th, 2024, when Rajasthan’s Chief Wildlife Warden, Pavan Kumar Upadhyay, reported that 25 out of the park’s 75 tigers had vanished. This alarming statistic prompted Upadhyay to order an immediate probe, revealing that 11 of the missing tigers had been absent for over a year, a situation unprecedented in the park’s history. Previously, only 13 tigers had been reported missing over a three-year period between January 2019 and January 2022.
The disappearance of such a significant number of tigers has triggered a three-member committee investigation to analyze monitoring records and identify any potential lapses by park officials. The order highlights the lack of effective monitoring systems, stating that despite several notices sent to the park’s field director, “no significant improvements have been noted.”
Chief Wildlife Warden Pavan Kumar Upadhyay acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, stating, “The committee will submit its report within two months. We have identified some monitoring gaps that we want to address. Recently, I started collecting weekly monitoring reports, which showed that these tigers were not recorded on trap cameras. This matter is being taken very seriously.”
While the rediscovery of 10 tigers provides a glimmer of hope, the investigation is likely to focus on the potential impact of overcrowding within the park. Reports suggest that Ranthambore, which covers a vast 900 square kilometers, is struggling to accommodate its current population of 75 tigers, including cubs. A study conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India between 2006 and 2014 revealed that the park can safely support a maximum of 40 adult tigers. This raises concerns about the park’s capacity to sustain its growing tiger population and underscores the need for careful management and conservation strategies to ensure the long-term survival of these magnificent animals.
The investigation into the missing tigers is set to shed light on the challenges faced by wildlife conservation in protected areas, particularly those grappling with increasing human encroachment and habitat degradation. The findings of the investigation will have significant implications for future management strategies for Ranthambore and other tiger reserves across India.
