Papikonda National Park: Reintroduction of Tiger ‘Explorer’ Under Operation Stripes

Why in News ?

An adult male tiger named ‘Explorer’ has been reintroduced into the wild in Papikonda National Park as part of Operation Stripes, a wildlife management initiative aimed at strengthening tiger conservation and habitat restoration.

The move is seen as a step towards reinforcing predator presence and ensuring ecological balance in the Eastern Ghats landscape.

Background and Context

India is home to nearly 75% of the world’s wild tiger population and has made significant progress under Project Tiger.

However, challenges persist:

• Habitat fragmentation,
• Human-wildlife conflict,
• Decline in prey base,
• Encroachment and illegal activities.

Reintroduction and translocation of tigers are increasingly used as conservation tools to:

• Restore viable populations in underpopulated reserves,
• Improve genetic diversity,
• Strengthen landscape-level connectivity.

Operation Stripes reflects these broader conservation strategies aimed at ensuring long-term sustainability of tiger habitats.

About Papikonda National Park

• Location: Andhra Pradesh.
• Geographical Setting: Along the banks of the Godavari River in the Eastern Ghats.
• Biodiversity Status: Recognised as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) by BirdLife International.

The park forms a critical ecological corridor in southern India.

Vegetation Profile

Papikonda National Park is characterised by:

• Tropical moist deciduous forests,
• Patches of semi-evergreen forests,
• Dry deciduous forest tracts.

Major Flora:

• Teak,
• Rosewood,
• Sandalwood,
• Bamboo,
• Sal,
• Mahua,
• Eucalyptus.

These diverse forest types support rich faunal biodiversity.

Faunal Diversity

The park supports several important species:

• Bengal tiger,
• Indian leopard,
• Sloth bear,
• Indian wild dog (dhole),
• Various endemic bird species.

It is also known for a unique dwarf goat breed called “kanchu mekha,” native to the region.

Significance of Tiger Reintroduction

1. Strengthening Predator Presence

Reintroducing a dominant male tiger helps:

• Establish territorial stability,
• Improve breeding potential,
• Enhance prey-predator dynamics.

2. Ecological Balance

Tigers are apex predators and keystone species. Their presence:

• Regulates herbivore populations,
• Prevents overgrazing,
• Maintains forest regeneration cycles.

3. Landscape Connectivity in Eastern Ghats

Papikonda plays a crucial role in:

• Linking fragmented habitats,
• Supporting dispersal corridors between protected areas.

4. Boosting Conservation Confidence

Successful reintroduction under Operation Stripes demonstrates:

• Institutional capacity in wildlife management,
• Science-based conservation planning.

5. Enhancing Eco-Tourism Potential

Improved tiger presence can:

• Attract eco-tourism,
• Generate livelihood opportunities for local communities.

Broader Conservation Context

Tiger reintroductions align with India’s:

• National Tiger Conservation Strategy,
• Landscape-level conservation planning,
• International commitments under biodiversity conventions.

It highlights the shift from mere protection to active ecological restoration.