There is a plan to translocate tigers from other forest divisions, in addition to the Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR), to the western portion of the Rajaji Tiger Reserve. The department believes this will help reduce human-wildlife conflict.
The western portion of the Rajaji Tiger Reserve has a lower tiger population than other areas, despite the larger area. Meanwhile, the eastern portion of the Corbett Tiger Reserve and the Rajaji Tiger Reserve have significantly higher tiger populations. Studies conducted here indicate that carrying capacity has been reached. The Forest Department began translocating tigers from the Corbett Tiger Reserve to the western portion of the Rajaji Tiger Reserve seven years ago.
As of this year, five tigers and tigresses have been relocated. The Forest Department is considering further translocation plans. In addition to the Corbett Tiger Reserve, there are plans to relocate fit tigers and tigresses from forest divisions like Ramnagar, Terai West, Haldwani, etc. to the Rajaji Tiger Reserve.
Tiger population in the state has increased. The tiger population in the state has increased from 178 in 2006 to 560 in 2022. Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Ranjan Mishra, stated that tigers have been translocated from the Corbett Tiger Reserve. The department also plans to translocate tigers from other forest divisions in addition to the Corbett Tiger Reserve. This will help reduce human-wildlife conflict and will also be beneficial from a carrying capacity perspective
