National Workshop on “Tiger Reintroduction:  Opportunities & Challenges” Concludes in Alwar, Rajasthan

**Executive Summary** The National Workshop on “Tiger Reintroduction: Opportunities & Challenges,” held in Alwar, Rajasthan, on June 28, 2026, convened 12 Chief Wildlife Wardens and 18 Field Directors to establish a science-based national framework for tiger recovery. The workshop focused on active management strategies, prey augmentation, and habitat restoration to address tiger-deficient landscapes across India. Key outcomes include the identification of specific reserves for focused recovery interventions and the integration of lessons learned from previous tiger and cheetah reintroduction programs. **Key Points / Main Content** **National Framework and Strategic Roadmap** * The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) Tiger Cell presented the "Road Map for Stocking Tiger-deficient Areas: Framework for Active Management of Tiger Reserves in India." * A national framework was established to guide future tiger reintroduction, supplementation, and prey augmentation programs. * The framework emphasizes scientific, ecological, and management strategies to strengthen collaboration between the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), State Forest Departments, and scientific institutions. **Ecological and Management Strategies** * **Prey Augmentation:** Technical sessions highlighted the necessity of *in situ* prey augmentation, specifically utilizing gaur and barasingha translocations to support long-term tiger recovery. * **Habitat and Connectivity:** Discussions focused on habitat restoration and maintaining landscape connectivity to facilitate tiger movement. * **Active Management:** Key operational areas include translocation planning, post-release monitoring, protection, and adaptive management. * **Community Involvement:** The importance of community participation was underscored as a vital component for the success of future conservation initiatives. **Case Studies and Preparedness** * **Success Stories:** Field Directors shared experiences and lessons from successful programs in reserves such as Sariska, Panna, Rajaji, and Mukundara Hills. * **Preparedness Assessments:** Representatives from low-density reserves, including Buxa, Achanakmar, Udanti-Sitanadi, Indravati, and Palamau, presented their readiness for future tiger recovery interventions. * **Cross-Program Learning:** A dedicated session on Project Cheetah provided insights from the world’s first inter-continental large carnivore reintroduction to inform future wildlife initiatives. **Impact Analysis** **National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)** **Impact** The NTCA is designated as the lead body for identifying specific Tiger Reserves for focused recovery interventions and overseeing the national framework. **Action Required** Coordinate with State Forest Departments and scientific partners to implement the "Road Map for Stocking Tiger-deficient Areas" and facilitate necessary translocations. **State Forest Departments / Chief Wildlife Wardens** **Impact** These stakeholders are responsible for the on-ground execution of recovery plans and managing the ecological health of tiger-deficient landscapes. **Action Required** Collaborate with the NTCA on focused interventions, conduct habitat restoration, and manage the translocation of prey species like gaur and barasingha. **Field Directors of Tiger Reserves** **Impact** Field Directors are directly affected by the new operational guidelines for translocation, monitoring, and community engagement. **Action Required** Apply the technical guidance and lessons learned from successful case studies to local reserve management, specifically regarding post-release monitoring and protection. **Scientific Institutions (e.g., Wildlife Institute of India)** **Impact** Institutions are confirmed as the primary providers of the scientific framework and technical expertise required for active tiger management. **Action Required** Continue providing scientific data, translocation frameworks, and technical support for prey augmentation and habitat management initiatives.

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