Explanation:

Taking cognizance of the reports which claimed that tiger relocation from Ranthambore Tiger Reserve was a violation of the NTCA norms and that permission was not taken from NTCA for relocation, the authority called for a factual report from the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve officials.

Calling the relocation legitimate, the state forest department has further sought NTCA’s guidance on managing the high density and the much needed dispersal of big cats from Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (RTR) in Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan.

It is pertinent to note here that the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve has seen a growth of 45% in big cat population in the last eight years. Although it is a welcome news but it simultaneously causes concern over the lack of adequate space for the tigers to mark their territory.

From 59 tigers in 2014, the current population of big cats in the Reserve has reached 86.

According to the concerned field officials, out of the total tigers, over a dozen adults between 3-5 years having no territory are moving in the periphery area, closer to the human habitats, which is a matter of concern.