Rajasthan: Rewilded tigress released into wild at Mukundra Hills Reserve

A rewilded tigress, MT-7, was successfully released into the Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve on Tuesday after an expert committee assessed the animals hunting skills, behavioural patterns, and adaptability. MT-7 was kept in a controlled environment as part of the rewilding process, where she developed natural hunting instincts, demonstrating her readiness for life in the wild.

A rewilded tigress, MT-7, was successfully released into the Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve on Tuesday after an expert committee assessed the animal's hunting skills, behavioural patterns, and adaptability. The release was carried out in accordance with the guidelines of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). Rewilding involves reintroducing captive-bred or translocated wild animals into suitable habitats to restore ecological balance. The committee's report confirmed that MT-7 had demonstrated satisfactory instincts and survival capabilities. Based on the recommendations, the chief wildlife warden of Rajasthan approved the tigress' release into the wild. Sugnaram Jat, Regional Field Director at the tiger reserve, said the gate of a 21-hectare enclosure was opened at 9 am on Tuesday to allow MT-7 access to the forest area spanning approximately 82 sq km. The tigress exited the enclosure at around 6 pm. MT-7 was kept in a controlled environment as part of the rewilding process, where she developed natural hunting instincts, demonstrating her readiness for life in the wild. The authorities have put in place radio telemetry, camera traps, and on-ground tracking to monitor the big cat's movement and ensure her safety.