JAIPUR: Twenty-five of the 75 tigers in Ranthambore National Park (RNP) have gone missing over the past year, the highest number reported in a single year. This is a significant rise from the previous figure of 13 missing tigers reported between January 2019 and January 2022. The wildlife department has formed a three-member committee to investigate these disappearances, focusing on tigers that have been missing since May 17, 2024.
The committee is expected to review monitoring records and take action if any lapses by park officials are found. Concerns about monitoring gaps have been raised, particularly regarding the absence of these tigers in camera trap footage. The committee is expected to submit its report within two months.
Ranthambore National Park, which spans 900 square kilometers, is facing challenges due to overcrowding. With 75 tigers currently residing in the park, including young tigers and cubs, it is overburdened as it is only capable of safely supporting about 40 adult tigers. Officials have said that overcrowding is leading to territorial disputes among the tigers.
Efforts to reduce pressure on the park have included the relocation of villages from the buffer zone, but the process has been slow. The last relocation took place in 2016. In addition, park officials are working to address the monitoring gaps in order to ensure better protection and tracking of the tigers.
