"Tiger Reintroduction In India: Comparative Insights Into Success And Failure From Nauradehi And Satkosia Wildlife Reserves"

Abstract

Tiger reintroduction programs represent a critical strategy in global conservation efforts, particularly in India, which harbours over 70% of the world's wild tiger population. Tiger reintroduction is an essential component of India’s large carnivore conservation strategy. This paper presents a comparative study of two tiger reintroduction programs: the failed attempt in Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary (Odisha) and the successful project in Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary (Madhya Pradesh). Utilizing a range of ecological and spatial indicators, this study aims to evaluate the relative success, challenges, and future prospects of these initiatives. Ecological indicators will include prey density, habitat quality, and tiger population dynamics (e.g., survival, reproduction, dispersal) while spatial indicators focus on habitat connectivity, human-wildlife interface, and landscape permeability and by comparing the outcomes in these two distinct ecological settings. The findings reveal that while Satkosia had basic ecological potential, poor planning, inadequate monitoring infrastructure, and high community resistance undermined the effort; Nauradehi, on the other hand, demonstrates better spatial continuity, lower human footprint, and stronger administrative preparedness. This study provides valuable insights for optimizing future tiger reintroduction strategies in India and globally.