Env ministry approves tiger relocation protocol

NEW DELHI: The Environment Ministry has approved a blueprint for tiger relocation prepared by National Tiger Conservation Authority, paving the way for the second phase of big cat population revival plan in the Sariska reserve of Rajasthan.

"I have approved the protocol. It is an important plan for better tiger conservation in the country whenever there is translocation of animal," Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said.

After shifting three tigers -- a male and two females -- last year, the Rajasthan government had put on hold its plan to relocate two more animals after NTCA decided to frame guidelines detailing steps needed for the translocation process to be adopted by the states.

"The protocol has minute details such as which type of animal of what age can be translocated on what conditions. Though there were already translocation guidelines but the protocol will be like a Bible for the wildlife officials planning to shift the tiger from one reserve to another. They will have to strictly adhere to the norms," a senior NTCA official said.

Prepared by the NTCA in association with the wildlife experts and Dehradun-based Wildlife Institute of India (WII), the protocol is based on international guidelines.