A young male tiger, born in 2022 at Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Yavatmal, has embarked on an extraordinary journey, covering nearly 500 km to reach Solapur district in southeastern Maharashtra. The Maharashtra Forest Department is closely monitoring the tiger’s movements using camera traps and thermal drones. Currently, the tiger is in Barshi taluka, frequently moving between Solapur and Dharashiv districts.
Senior scientist Dr. Bilal Habib from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) highlighted that this dispersing male’s journey underscores the suitability of the landscape for tiger movement. “Most territories in Central India are occupied, pushing young males to explore new areas,” he said. Experts are studying the shift in dispersal patterns, as tigers that once moved towards Telangana’s Kawal Tiger Reserve are now heading toward Marathwada.
Officials believe the tiger traveled through Painganga Wildlife Sanctuary, Nanded, Latur, and Yedshi Ramalinga Wildlife Sanctuary before reaching Solapur. The forest department, led by DCFs Kushagra Pathak (Solapur) and BA Pol (Dharashiv), is actively tracking the tiger, alongside Pune-based RESQ Charitable Trust.
Neha Panchamiya, founder of RESQ CT, stated that their team has been assisting forest officials since December 12 in monitoring the tiger and conducting Primary Response Team (PRT) training. Awareness programs are being conducted to prevent human-wildlife conflict. Efforts continue to track the tiger’s movement and ensure safety for both wildlife and local communities.
