Tigress Tara Moves From Tadoba to Sahyadri Reserve

Chanda, the young female tiger of Tadoba National Park (Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve), has initiated her new life journey in the Sahyadri landscape. The movement of the tiger is a significant milestone for the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, as the reserve is continuously striving to increase the number of tigers in that region.

The famous family of Chanda is known and understood by many visitors who go on Tadoba safaris. The transfer is in alignment with the long-term plan of the state to introduce more tigers in the western Maharashtra region and also to revitalize the forests there.

Long Journey From Tadoba to Sahyadri

Chanda, who is now named Tara, was moved through a careful and well-planned operation. She travelled more than 900 kilometres in a special wildlife rescue vehicle. The journey took about 27 hours. The vehicle was made to keep her safe and calm during the whole trip. It had good air flow and steady movement so that she did not feel stressed.

The team began the operation late at night. The vehicle moved slowly and safely on highways and other roads. Tara reached Chandoli in the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve at 1:30 am on 14 November. When she arrived, the veterinary doctors checked her health to make sure she was fine after the long journey. Her safe arrival is seen as one of the biggest and most successful wildlife transfers in Maharashtra.

New Name and Enclosure Details

After she reached Sahyadri, tigress Chanda was given a new name, Tara. The name was selected based on local culture. For scientific records, she has also been given the code STR T4.

Tara is now kept in a 1-hectare enclosure located inside the core zone of Chandoli National Park. This enclosure helps her slowly adjust to the new forest, new climate, and new prey found in the Sahyadri. Officers have placed a radio collar on her neck. This device allows them to monitor her movement, behaviour, and health at all times. This adjustment period is very important because it prepares her for her future release into the open forest.

Tiger Family Background

Tara comes from a strong tiger family in Tadoba National Park. Her father is Chota Matka, one of the well-known tigers in the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve. Her mother, Jurni, also comes from an important bloodline. Tara’s grandfather is Waghdoh, also known as Scarface. He is one of the most famous tigers of Tadoba National Park due to his long presence and strong genes. Because of this background, Tara is considered a valuable addition to the Sahyadri tiger recovery program. Her genes can help improve the tiger population in the region.

Tiger Reintroduction Plan in Sahyadri

Tara’s movement is part of a bigger plan to bring tigers back to Sahyadri. The reserve plans to add five female and three male tigers to improve genetic diversity, balance prey and predator numbers, and support better forest conditions.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change approved the project on 12 September 2025. The reserve covers 1,165 square kilometres in four districts. After Tara adjusts well, another tigress named Chandani will also be shifted slowly and carefully from Tadoba National Park.

Teams and Officers Involved

This operation was a joint effort involving numerous specialists and officials. The Wildlife Veterinary Officer, Dr. R. S. Khobragade, conducted the health checks and kept Tara under constant surveillance during the whole transportation process. Field Director Tushar Chavan was the one who operated and directed the entire planning and execution.

The other officials were DFO Snehalata Patil, ACF Sandesh Patil, ACF Babasaheb Hake, and many Range Forest Officers from Chandoli, Amba, and Dhebewadi ranges. The project was also assisted by the researchers, frontline staff, and honorary wildlife wardens. All actions taken were under the strict supervision of NTCA to ensure the right techniques were used and the tigress was handled safely.