25 Tigers Missing from Ranthambore: Wildlife Officials Launch Investigation
Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, renowned for its tiger population, is facing a concerning mystery as 25 of its 75 tigers have been reported missing over the past year.
Chief Wildlife Warden Pavan Kumar Upadhyay confirmed the unusual rise in tiger disappearances, marking the highest annual count in recent years. In comparison, between January 2019 and January 2022, only 13 tigers were reported missing.
Investigation Underway for Missing Tigers
In response to the alarming increase, the wildlife department has set up a three-member committee to review monitoring data and investigate any possible lapses by park staff. The committee is particularly focused on tracking 14 tigers that have not appeared in monitoring records since May to September this year.
An official order from November 4 underscored ongoing concerns about the missing tigers. Despite multiple reminders to the park’s field director, officials noted limited improvement in tracking efforts. By mid-October 2024, 11 tigers had been unaccounted for over a year, and recent monitoring of 14 other tigers showed minimal activity on tracking devices.
Overcrowding and Monitoring Gaps Cited as Challenges
Chief Wildlife Warden Upadhyay shared that weekly monitoring reports have shown gaps, with some tigers not appearing on trap cameras for extended periods. “The committee will submit its report within two months,” he stated, adding, “This matter is being taken very seriously, and we have identified monitoring gaps that need addressing.”
One approach to reduce the stress on Ranthambore’s ecosystem involves relocating villages from the buffer zone, but progress on this front has been slow. The last successful relocation occurred in 2016.
Overpopulation and Territorial Conflicts
The park currently houses 75 tigers, including cubs, across its 900-square-kilometer area, well above the estimated safe capacity of around 40 adult tigers. A Wildlife Institute of India study (2006–2014) indicated that such overpopulation leads to heightened territorial battles among tigers, which could contribute to their disappearances.
Wildlife officials are under increasing pressure to implement improved monitoring and management practices to prevent further tiger losses and ensure the safety of Ranthambore’s tiger population.
