Tadoba May Soon Transition All Safari Vehicles to Electric Power Nagpur: The Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) is finalizing a proposal to replace all tourist vehicles operating within the reserve with electric-powered alternatives. The initiative aims to address the high fuel consumption of existing petrol-run Gypsys, which collectively burn over 1,000 litres of fuel daily. Senior forest officials have confirmed that more than 300 vehicles are currently used for tourism in the reserve, with nearly all relying on petrol. The average route length for these vehicles is 35 km, and many are outdated, making spare parts increasingly difficult to source. The shift to electric vehicles is part of a broader effort to align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent emphasis on fuel conservation. TATR field director Prabhu Nath Shukla highlighted the challenges of maintaining the current fleet, noting that many Gypsys are no longer manufactured, leading to higher maintenance costs and frequent breakdowns. The vehicles’ off-road usage exacerbates wear and tear, with fuel efficiency dropping to single-digit kilometres per litre. “The cost of fuel escalates rapidly, as each vehicle on the safari circuit covers over 30 km daily,” Shukla explained. The proposal includes plans to explore financing options to help local vehicle owners afford the transition to electric vehicles. Participation from state and central government agencies, as well as private stakeholders, is being considered to share the financial burden. Shukla emphasized the economic implications for nearby tribal communities, who rely heavily on wildlife tourism for livelihoods. “An electric vehicle could cost upwards of Rs15 lakh, so we must find ways to make this transition affordable,” he said.#narendra_moddi #tadoba_andhari_tiger_reserve #prabhu_nath_shukla #wildlife_tourism #tribal_communities
Tadoba Tiger Reserve's Machan Census Reveals 42 Tiger Sightings Amid Thriving Wildlife The Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) conducted its annual ‘machan census’ on May 1, coinciding with Buddha Purnima, to assess wildlife activity during peak summer heat. The census, which tracked 5,765 animals, recorded 42 tiger sightings and 13 leopard sightings across the reserve’s core and buffer zones. The exercise highlighted a strong prey-predator dynamic, with herbivores comprising over 53% of the total sightings. Spotted deer (1,745), grey langur (1,020), and sambar (623) were the most frequently observed species, underscoring the reserve’s role as a critical habitat for apex predators. The census revealed a notable trend in public engagement, with citizens actively participating in buffer zone monitoring. While forest staff managed 99 machans (observation platforms) in the core area, 54 of the 69 available machans in the buffer zone were booked by local residents through an online system. This collaboration yielded higher tiger sightings in buffer areas (23) compared to the core (19), suggesting that wildlife populations are thriving beyond protected boundaries. The data also emphasized the ecological health of the reserve, with additional species documented, including Indian gaur (547), wild boar (480), and over 500 Indian peafowl. Rare sightings of sloth bears (80) and honey badgers (8) further reinforced the reserve’s biodiversity. Field Director Prabhu Nath Shukla emphasized the importance of the census for long-term conservation planning, stating that the data provides insights into habitat dynamics and helps safeguard biological corridors critical for tiger survival.#tadoba_andhari_tiger_reserve #prabhu_nath_shukla #buddha_purnima #machan_census #tadoba_tiger_reserve
Tadoba Launches Immersive VR Wildlife Experience to Enhance Eco-Tourism and Support Local Communities Tourists visiting the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) are now offered a groundbreaking virtual reality (VR) experience that transcends traditional safari activities. The initiative, launched by the reserve, allows visitors to immerse themselves in the untamed beauty of Tadoba’s dense forests, diverse wildlife, and seasonal landscapes through a six-minute VR film. This technology-driven approach aims to deepen ecological understanding and provide a unique, close-up encounter with the region’s biodiversity, which conventional safaris may not fully capture. The VR experience is initially available at the Moharli and Khutwanda entry gates of the reserve. Plans are underway to expand its availability to all TATR entry points, with deployment synchronized with safari vehicle traffic to ensure broader access. Additionally, the reserve is exploring partnerships with resorts to integrate the VR facility into its “Chala Mazha Tadoba” nature education program, further enhancing visitor engagement with conservation efforts. Field director Prabhu Nath Shukla emphasized that the project aligns with Tadoba’s vision of merging technological innovation with environmental education. “This initiative strengthens responsible eco-tourism while empowering local communities through sustainable employment,” he stated. The VR experience is designed to not only educate visitors but also generate economic opportunities for nearby residents. Each VR unit is managed by local youth from buffer villages, who are trained to operate the equipment and charge visitors a nominal fee of Rs50 per session.#tadoba_andhari_tiger_reserve #prabhu_nath_shukla #moharli_entry_gate #khutwanda_entry_gate #chala_maza_tadoba
Tadoba Rescue Centre Awaits Final Approval as Forest Department Seeks High Court Clearance The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court on Wednesday signaled that the long-delayed proposal to establish a rescue centre within the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve is nearing completion, with only one critical procedural approval remaining. The court directed authorities to expedite the process by submitting a proposal to the chief secretary to seek judicial clearance for construction in the reserve’s core or buffer zones. The development comes amid growing concerns over the health of the tiger “Chhota Matka” and the need for specialized facilities to care for injured or vulnerable wildlife in protected areas. The court’s intervention followed a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) initiated over the deteriorating condition of “Chhota Matka,” a tiger whose health has raised alarms among conservationists. A division bench comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode was informed that most clearances for the rescue centre have already been secured. The Maharashtra Forest Development Corporation (FDCM) stated in its affidavit that the project now awaits final approval linked to pending proceedings before the Supreme Court. The court emphasized that this procedural requirement should not cause unnecessary delays and ordered the FDCM to file an interlocutory application for specific relief or exemption. The rescue centre’s urgency stems from systemic gaps in wildlife management within the reserve. The court expanded the scope of the case to address broader issues, including the lack of infrastructure for treating injured animals.#bombay_high_court #nagpur_bench #tadoba_andhari_tiger_reserve #chhota_matka #maharashtra_forest_development_corporation
Tiger behind two deaths captured in Talodhi range A tiger responsible for two fatal attacks was tranquilized and captured near Savarla village in the Talodhi range on Saturday evening. The operation was conducted by the Rapid Response Team (RRT) from the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, supervised by Brahmapuri divisional forest officer Kumar Swami. Veterinary expert Ravikant Khobragade led the tranquilization unit, with assistance from RFO AR Kannamwar. The tiger had been linked to two deaths in separate incidents over the past fortnight. On March 25, Pramila Watghure (45), a resident of Talodhi, was killed while collecting firewood in a scrub forest near Savarla. The second incident occurred on April 5, when Mahadev Kubde (58), a farmer from Minthur village, was killed near a stream adjacent to his field in the Nagbhid forest range. Forest officials noted that the tiger had been frequently sighted near agricultural fields, moving between the Talodhi and Nagbhid ranges. This prompted authorities to issue capture orders. After tracking the tiger’s movements, the RRT set up bait near the site of the first kill. Around 6 p.m. on Saturday, expert shooter Ajay Marathe darted the animal. The sedated tiger was then transported to the Gorewada Wildlife Rescue Centre for further care. Forest officials emphasized that the tiger’s presence near human settlements posed a significant threat, particularly as it continued to roam between the two forest ranges. The capture operation was a coordinated effort to mitigate risks to local communities and prevent further incidents. The tiger’s movements had been closely monitored, and the bait strategy was designed to lure it into a controlled environment for safe capture.#tiger #tadoba_andhari_tiger_reserve #rapid_response_team #brahmapuri_divisional_forest_officer #kumar_swami
Chimur rescue camp for Tadoba project under examination; man-animal conflict deaths and crop damage flagged The Maharashtra government is evaluating the feasibility of establishing a dedicated wildlife rescue camp at Chimur in Chandrapur district to address growing human-wildlife conflict in the Tadoba–Andhari Tiger Reserve region. This proposal was discussed during a meeting of the Maharashtra legislative assembly, where Forest Minister Ganesh Naik confirmed that the plan stems from repeated demands highlighting the increasing incidents of man-animal conflict, which have led to fatalities, injuries, and damage to crops. Naik described the demand as "genuine" and noted that technical and regulatory aspects are being reviewed before a final decision is made. Chimur MLA Bunty Bhangdiya raised concerns during the discussion, pointing out that the nearest rescue facility is located in Nagpur, approximately 110 to 150 kilometers away from vulnerable areas such as Chimur, Bramhapuri, Ghodazari, and Karandla. He argued that the distance compromises the ability to provide timely emergency response, urging the government to set up a transit rescue center at Chimur equipped for immediate first aid and primary treatment. Naik acknowledged that injured individuals from the Chimur forest range are currently treated at the Sub-District Hospital in Chimur and referred to Chandrapur or Nagpur for advanced medical care when necessary. The minister emphasized that the proposal aims to enhance preparedness and reduce the risks associated with human-wildlife interactions in the region. The initiative reflects broader efforts to mitigate the impact of wildlife on local communities while ensuring the protection of endangered species.#maharashtra_government #ganesh_naik #chimur_MLA_bunty_bhangdiya #tadoba_andhari_tiger_reserve #chimur_forest_range
