Tiger names
Tiger names have been introduced in Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, breaking the long tradition of identifying animals only by code numbers. STR T1, T2, and T3 are now Senapati, Subedar, and Baji—titles of Swarajya chieftains from the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Senapati was the first tiger registered in 2023 after a five-year gap, marking the reserve’s fragile recovery. Subedar, first spotted in Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary in 2022, later moved into Sahyadri in 2024. Baji was seen in Kolhapur’s Kadgaon forest in 2023 before settling in Sahyadri this year. Today, Senapati and Subedar live in Chandoli National Park, while Baji roams Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary.
Officials argue tiger names strengthen cultural connections and increase public awareness. Critics caution that wild tigers need protection, not branding. Still, in landscapes where numbers are low, social participation may help keep forests defended. Operation Tara now aims to bring two tigresses from Tadoba, proving conservation practices evolve when survival depends on community trust and ecological planning.
The tiger names article:
Based on Times of India, India.
Photo via Times of India.
