A 3-year-old tigress named Jinnat from Maharashtra's Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve is expecting her first litter after mating with the renowned melanistic tiger, Mahabal 'T-12', in Odisha's Similipal Tiger Sanctuary. Jinnat had been relocated to the sanctuary and was being monitored by a special medical team.
Key Details:
- Jinnat's Journey: The tigress was brought to the 'Swatantra Enclosure' in Yamunagarh on January 1 and was later released into the forest about one and a half months ago.
- Territorial Movement: Jinnat has chosen an area of 25-30 square kilometers within the Similipal forest as her territory and hasn't crossed the Subarnarekha River into Jharkhand or any other state.
- T-12's Profile: The melanistic tiger, approximately 11 years old, has mated with several female tigers in the forest, resulting in over 8 cubs. Notably, T-12 had also mated with another tigress, Yamuna, who was brought from Maharashtra.
Similipal Tiger Sanctuary:
Located in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district, the Similipal Tiger Sanctuary is one of India's largest tiger reserves, spanning 2750 square kilometers. The sanctuary is home to diverse wildlife, including tigers, Asian elephants, and gaurs. With its lush green forests, grasslands, and waterfalls, Similipal offers a unique experience for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers.