Maharashtra tiger reserve likely to be expanded

CHANDRAPUR (Maha): Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) is proposed to be expanded by an additional 1,100 sq km from the current 625.40 sq km for making it an ideal habitat for tigers and to reduce the threat of poaching.

"We have proposed to the government to include another 1,100 sq km to TATR which has about 45 big cats and at least 12 to 14 cubs. Once the new area is added, TATR will become an ideal habitat for tigers," S P Thakre, Conservator of Forest and field director, TATR said.

"We must have inviolate areas if we want the tiger to survive for long. From that point, we feel that the area of TATR should be extended," he said.

Roughly 100 sq km area was required for a breeding zone for tigresses for which a buffer zone was proposed and it was lying with the state government, he said.

New areas proposed to be included were Bramhagiri, West Chanda, Chandrapur and the Forest Development Corporation, he said.

If new areas were added to TATR, he said, it would help provide better management. "Because now once a tiger goes beyond our territory it faces the threat of poaching."