Santanu Bose, The Bengal News, India : The Umred-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary (UKWLS), situated just 50-60 kilometers from Nagpur, has emerged as a crucial hotspot in Central India’s conservation landscape, largely due to its thriving and famous tiger population. This relatively small sanctuary, notified in 2012, is a vital forest corridor connecting major reserves like Tadoba-Andhari, Nagzira, and Pench Tiger Reserves, allowing for the natural dispersal and genetic exchange of big cats.

_{^{a magnificent male tiger named Jai / Photo : Santanu Bose}}

The sanctuary first garnered widespread national and international attention thanks to a magnificent male tiger named Jai. In a phenomenal display of wild navigation, Jai migrated over 130 kilometers from the Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary to establish his new territory in Umred-Karhandla. His presence significantly boosted the sanctuary’s tiger population, and he quickly became a favorite of researchers and tourists alike. While Jai sadly went missing in 2016, his legacy lives on through his progeny, who have helped the sanctuary bounce back from setbacks like the disappearance of several tigers.

Today, the UKWLS is buzzing with the activities of several resident tigresses and their successful litters, creating a dynamic environment for wildlife enthusiasts:

Tigress Fairy (T6): Known for being a prolific mother, Fairy, along with other tigresses like Chandi (T2) and Rai (T4, before her tragic poisoning), contributed significantly to the population revival. Fairy’s cubs, Srinivas and Bittu (sired by Jai), were part of the new generation that secured the sanctuary’s future as a major tiger source population.

_{^{Fairy’s cubs, Srinivas and Bittu / Photo : Santanu Bose}}

Supermom F2: One of the most famous current residents is F2, a daughter of Fairy. F2 has captured the imagination of the public and conservationists by successfully raising an unusually large litter of five cubs (four males and one female). Litters of this size are a rarity, making F2’s efforts a remarkable testament to the healthy prey base and secure habitat of Umred-Karhandla. The sighting of F2 and her five cubs is a major draw for tourists, although it has also prompted critical discussions about the need for responsible and ethical tourism to minimize disturbance to the growing families.