What has once again focussed attention on Ranthambore is the reports about two missing tigresses from the Tiger Reserve. According to forest officials, RBT-2504 (Mahi) and RBT-2510 have not been sighted for several days, prompting the Forest Department to launch an intensive search operation. To locate the missing tigresses, five teams are patrolling within the forest, and approximately 100 camera traps have also been installed.
As per officials, a territorial fight occurred between RBT-2504 (Mahi) and her mother, Tigress T-124 (Riddhi), on May 3, and Mahi has been missing since that incident.
“RBT-2504 (Mahi) and her mother have engaged in territorial fights on multiple occasions. A territorial clash took place between the two on May 3 as well, and Mahi has not been sighted since then,” said DFO Manas Singh.
A concerning report is coming from Ranthambore. Two tigresses in the sanctuary, who had recently separated from their mothers, have not been sighted for the past two weeks or possibly even longer.
As recently as 28 days ago, the movements of both were observed in the Jhoomar Baori area.
Tigers are the apex predators of Ranthambore National Park- a protected reserve in Rajasthan known for its robust tiger population. However, recent surveys indicate that nearly a third of the park’s tigers are missing. Wildlife authorities and local conservation groups have been unable to track these tigers using traditional camera trap methods and GPS tracking which is leading to growing fears that they may have fallen victim to poaching, territorial disputes or environmental changes.
Despite strict anti-poaching laws, India continues to struggle with illegal wildlife trade. Tigers are highly valued for their skin, bones and body parts in the black market. Poachers may have taken advantage of gaps in surveillance particularly in the park’s outer areas where patrolling is less frequent.
Tigers are territorial animals, and conflicts between them can lead to fatalities. Some tigers may have been driven out of their territories by stronger rivals, forcing them to venture beyond park boundaries into areas where they may not survive. Additionally, natural causes such as old age, disease, or injuries sustained in fights could account for some of the missing tigers.
Increasing human encroachment near Ranthambore has led to rising human-wildlife conflicts. Tigers that stray into villages often face hostility from locals, who sometimes resort to retaliatory killings to protect their livestock and livelihoods. Recent cases of tiger attacks in nearby settlements suggest that the missing tigers may have been victims of such conflicts.
Although camera trapping and GPS tagging are widely used for monitoring tiger populations, gaps in technology and resource allocation can lead to errors in tracking. Some tigers may have simply moved to less-monitored areas within or beyond the park’s borders, making their detection difficult. The disappearance of 25 tigers led to increased scrutiny from conservation organizations and the Indian government. Key measures being taken include:
Ranthambore is not the only tiger reserve facing such issues. Across India, tiger populations are under threat due to habitat destruction, climate change, and poaching. The Indian government’s Project Tiger initiative has played a crucial role in reviving tiger numbers but challenges persist. The disappearance of tigers in Ranthambore serves as a wake-up call for stronger nationwide preservation efforts.
