Kanha Tiger Reserve officially reopened on October 1st after its annual restoration period, and the 2022-2023 season marked a hopeful return to stability following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the previous years. With the easing of pandemic-related restrictions, tourism in Kanha is now recovering, and the 2022-23 season promises to be a better one.
Mukki Zone’s Tiger Sightings
Mukki Zone in Kanha has remained a hotspot for tiger sightings in recent years, especially known for the presence of several well-known tigers and tigresses. The area has been popular not only because of the large male tigers that inhabit it but also due to famous females like the matriarch CM (Choti Mada), DJ (Dhawajhandi), and others such as Mv3 and Tedhi Pooch. This season, Mv-3 was seen with two cubs, aged 6-7 months, while CM was spotted with her near-year-old female cub. Despite concerns over her size, CM seemed to be thriving after the park’s closure and looked healthy with her cubs. This may very well be CM’s final litter, as she is currently the oldest female in the park.
Other Notable Tiger Sightings
Sharmili, another notable female in the area, was seen with one cub at the start of the season. Bijali, a shy tigress, has settled into the Chital Fireline area. Additionally, the T-101 tigress, believed to be the daughter of the Algi Dadar female, has been frequently sighted near Mukki Gate. The absence of DJ, the beloved star of Mukki, created a sense of worry among guides and wildlife enthusiasts, but on October 14th, DJ was finally sighted marking her territory, suggesting that she had recently given birth. This marked her fourth litter, although no cubs had been seen yet.
Exciting Cubs and Male Movements
On December 12th, DJ (Dhawajhandi) was joyfully sighted with five tiny cubs near Babathenga. This rare sighting of a female tiger with five cubs was a significant event, as the average litter size in Kanha is typically 2-4 cubs. The last such occurrence was recorded about 15 years ago when a tigress named Indri had five cubs. All five of DJ’s cubs appeared healthy and were growing well according to the latest observations.
In terms of male tiger activity, Mukki Zone saw considerable movement. The Nela Nala male continues to cover the Mukki and Kanha zones, while several other males like DB3, Baishanghat, and Pattewala have been active as well. Baishanghat, in particular, has expanded his territory significantly, covering the entire Mukki Zone from the Mukki Gate to Khapa Camp. However, tracking him has proven difficult due to his vast territory.
Kanha and Kisli Zones’ Update
Overall, the tiger population in Mukki is estimated to be over 20, including cubs, and with many active males and females in the area, this season is expected to be a spectacular one for tiger sightings. Kanha and Kisli zones are also witnessing positive developments as the season progresses. A notable surprise was the reappearance of Naina, a tigress who hadn’t been sighted for nearly a year. Meanwhile, Neelam, the queen of Kanha meadows, continues to thrive and was recently spotted with a litter of four cubs. However, she now faces competition from her daughter Mohini, who is trying to establish herself in the meadow.
Tiger Politics: Neelam and Mohini
The rivalry between Neelam and Mohini in the Kanha meadows has intensified. Neelam, who has ruled this area for the past 4-5 years, now has a challenger in her own daughter, Mohini. Mohini has been encroaching on Neelam’s territory, resulting in a confrontation where forest officials had to intervene to provide medical assistance to Neelam. This power struggle marks a significant shift in the dynamics of Kanha’s tiger population.
Bhuindabra and Other Male Tigers
Bhuindabra, the dominant male tiger of Kanha, is expanding his range into Kisli and has been observed in new areas, where he is likely the father of Neelam’s cubs. Jr. Bajrang, another prominent male, has moved more toward the Kisli and Sarhi zones this season and has been sighted frequently in these areas. In Kisli, DB2 has emerged as the dominant male after his victory over Yuvraj last season. He is now extending his influence towards the Sarhi and Kanha zones, where he has already encountered other males like Jr. Bajrang and Balwan.
Female Sightings in Kisli Zone
Kisli Zone is also experiencing a positive surge in tiger sightings. The District Line female, T-58, has been frequently spotted, indicating the healthy presence of tigers in the region. With the abundance of cubs and active males, the current season in Kanha promises to be thrilling for wildlife enthusiasts.
The Future Outlook
While this season looks promising, there have been no recent updates regarding the legendary Uamrpani and Jamuntola tigers. However, in the natural world, there is little room for the old and weak, which is part of the cycle of life in the wild. Kanha’s tiger population is expected to continue thriving, and with the ongoing efforts in tiger conservation, the future remains hopeful for these majestic creatures. Stay tuned for a complete update on tiger sightings as the season progresses!
About the Author: Sharad Vats
Sharad Vats, born and raised in New Delhi, developed a passion for wildlife photography after seeing his first tiger on a holiday in 1990. This experience inspired him to dedicate his life to the conservation of tigers and other wildlife. In 2006, Sharad established one of India’s premier jungle lodges in Kanha National Park, focusing on conservation through tourism. He is the founder of Nature Safari India Pvt Ltd, a company dedicated to the mission of repopulating India’s forests with tigers and other endangered species. Sharad has written a book on management and leadership skills inspired by his experiences with tigers, which can be purchased on Amazon.
