Tigers face genetic crisis in Rajasthan:Madhya Pradesh govt sends 3 tigers including a tigress from Pench to improve gene quality

In a move to reduce the risk of genetic diseases in Rajasthan’s tiger population, three tigers will be sent from Madhya Pradesh. Two tigresses and one male tiger are being prepared for the transfer. Rajneesh Singh, Deputy Director of Pench Tiger Reserve, said the 3-year-old tigress P-224 has been radio-collared and is fit and genetically strong. The Rajasthan Forest Department will now take further action for the translocation. The NTCA has approved sending seven tigers from other states to Rajasthan’s Ramgarh Vishdhari (Bundi) and Mukundra Hills (Kota) tiger reserves. Before this, translocation was done from MP to Satkosia Tiger Reserve in Odisha. A total of 9 tigers are to be translocated interstate from MP. Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha will be given three tigers each. Ranthambore: Inbreeding increased because no tigers were brought from outside states Inbreeding among tigers in Ranthambore National Park is a cause for concern. There are 78 tigers, tigresses, and cubs here, of which 80% are descendants of tigress Machli and three male tigers. Ranthambore’s tigers have played a crucial role in populating other reserves like Sariska and Mukundra, but no tigers have ever been brought here from outside states, which has increased inbreeding. The Pench tigress has been fitted with a radio collar. Now, when the Rajasthan Forest Department arranges to take her, the team will translocate her. Whether by road or airlift, the Rajasthan government will decide. – Shubhranjan Sen, PCCF Wildlife Inbreeding and potential dangers Inbreeding in tigers or any species means breeding among close relatives. When the number in a tiger population becomes very low, the remaining tigers are closely related to each other. Risk of disease and weakness in future generations