Conceding that the tigers of Ranthambhore may not be able to ensure "genetic vigour" in the new population being raised in Sariska, Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh has written to the chief ministers of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, requesting them for a few tigers for Sariska.
A Hindustan Times investigation (June 29, 2009) exposed how siblings were sent from Ranthambhore to repopulate Sariska and stressed that tigers be sourced from adjoining tiger reserves to avoid a genetic bottleneck. Following the report, the tiger relocation process was put on hold, a DNA analysis of Ranthambhore tigers was ordered and genetic tests eventually proved that the tigers sent to Sariska were indeed siblings.
However, the forest and the wildlife establishment had so far resisted the demand for sourcing tigers from outside Rajasthan. While some argued that the purity of Rajasthan tigers was at stake, others felt inter-state negotiations on shifting tigers would invariably hit roadblocks.
Not any more. In his letters sent earlier this week to chief ministers Ashok Chavan and Shivraj Singh, Ramesh wrote: “To bring in genetic vigour, we need a few wild-caught tigers (males as well as females) for Sariska from other adjoining states…I would very much appreciate if two straying males are provided at the outset To Rajasthan… A positive gesture from your end could go a long way in ensuring a viable gene pool for our wild tigers… ”Welcoming the decision, conservationist Valmik Thapar said, "This is a highly positive move by the minister and we hope the states respond positively. We can also look at an exchange as the male that has so far failed to breed with his siblings in Sariska should now be sent to Panna (Madhya Pradesh) to give him a fair chance.”
Meanwhile, Sariska may get its fourth tiger much sooner if any of the three Ranthambhore tigers shortlisted for relocation is found to be genetically compatible. Authorities are keeping their fingers crossed as the DNA report of these tigers is expected from Bangalore-based National Centre for Biological Sciences this Friday. If the tests return negative, Ramesh, and Sariska, may have to wait for a favourable response from Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
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