Known for diamond the world over, Panna has set a new example before the world. Panna Tiger Reserve has not only achieved success in rehabilitating tiger species, which had become extinct here, but has also completed 4 years of tiger relocation. The number of tigers in the reserve has gone up from 0 to 23. Earlier, it was believed that it was near impossible to relocate tigers in a new area.
Forest Minister Gaurishankar Shejwar informed that tiger relocation project was started in November 2009. A tiger and 4 tigresses were brought from other areas and released here 4 years ago. Of these, tigress T-1 has given birth to cubs twice and T-2 and T-4 3 cubs each thrice so far. The 2 tigers of the first litter of tigress T-1 have established their area in the park. Similarly, T-2 and T-4 have separated cubs of their second litter only at the age of 12-13 months. At present, T-2 and T-4 tigress are nourishing the 5-month old cubs.
Shejwar further said that radio collars are being attached to growing up tiger cubs in Panna Tiger Reserve. But, efforts to collar Panna-412, Panna-421 and Panna-422 have not succeeded so far.
Its main reason is that these tigers are underage. In the reserves, tigers are establishing their respective areas in all sides. Cubs are growing up naturally. However, Panna-212 has injured self in effort to catch kill and once hurt by rabid dog. He has also lost its 2 teeth.
He said that sex ratio of tigers in Panna reserve has become disbalanced as the number of tigers has gone up. Two tigresses are being brought here from other places.