Baripada: A nine-month-old tiger cub rescued from a human settlement near Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) is making encouraging progress in learning to survive in the wild, having begun displaying its natural hunting instincts.
The cub, currently housed in the Jamuna enclosure under the South Wildlife Division of Similipal, successfully hunted a goat during 28 days of observation. It also targeted deer released into the enclosure, indicating an improvement in its hunting skills.
“The cub has shown significant improvement in its hunting techniques and natural behaviour. Its movements, hunting patterns and other activities are being monitored through CCTV cameras, while its health is being checked regularly,” said Prakash Chandra Gogineni, regional chief conservator of forests (RCCF) for the Baripada Circle and field director of Similipal Tiger Reserve.
“A decision on releasing the cub into Similipal’s core forest area will be taken based on its progress and ability to survive independently in the wild,” Gogineni added. The Forest department rescued the cub September 25 after it entered a human settlement adjoining Similipal for the second time. The operation was carried out without the use of tranquilising drugs. The cub had entered a cattle shed in Khaparakhai village on the night of September 24 in search of food. Initially estimated to be about eight months old, it was shifted to the Thakurmunda Wildlife Range for a health examination.
Blood and stool samples were tested at Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), which confirmed that the cub was free of disease and infection. It was later moved to the Jamuna enclosure in Similipal’s core area, where efforts began to help it adapt to the wild. Initially, the cub was provided with food, nutritional supplements and medical care. It has now begun developing its hunting skills and learning to catch prey independently.