In search of a mate, a tiger travels 300 kilometers from Maharashtra to Telangana, led by scent and captivated by love.
In search of a mate, a tiger travels 300 kilometers from Maharashtra to Telangana, led by scent and captivated by love.
New Delhi: In a tale reminiscent of a wildlife romance book, Johnny, a male tiger between the ages of six and eight, set out on an incredible 300-kilometer journey through Telangana and Maharashtra in pursuit of a partner.
Locals are both excited and concerned about his incredible trek, and forest officials are keeping a careful eye on him at all times.Since starting his adventure in late October in Kinwat taluka, Maharashtra, Johnny has traveled through the thick forests of Telangana’s Adilabad and Nirmal districts.
The enamored large cat even traversed the busy Hyderabad-Nagpur NH-44 highway, traveling from the Boath Mandal jungles to the highways close to Laltekdi village. According to reports, he is now making his way to the Tiryani region, getting closer to the Kawal Tiger Reserve (KTR), which may end up being his new residence.
Male tigers like Johnny are known for their extraordinary sense of smell, detecting the pheromones of potential mates from as far as 100 km away. According to Adilabad District Forest Officer Prashanth Bajirao Patil, winter marks the tiger mating season, and it’s not uncommon for males to venture far beyond their territories in search of a partner.Although Donald Trump considers himself a brilliant negotiator, he may not be able to bring about peace in the Middle East.
Prashanth Bajirao Patil, Adilabad district forest officer, confirmed the big cat’s journey in search of a mate. “Male tigers often embark on such long journeys during winter, which is the mating season, in search of a mate when they cannot find one in their territory,” he told TOI.Johnny’s quest hasn’t been without its share of drama. Along the way, he’s killed five cattle and made three failed attempts to hunt cows, much to the frustration of locals.
However, forest officials assure residents that tigers searching for mates are unlikely to pose a direct threat to humans.”If Johnny reaches the KTR core area, it would be a game-changer for the reserve,” said Chief Wildlife Warden Elusing Meru. KTR, which has struggled to sustain a permanent tiger population, last recorded a resident tiger in 2022.”We request people not to panic or confront the tiger,” said Patil, urging cooperation to ensure Johnny’s safety and the region’s biodiversity.
If Johnny decides to settle in the Kawal Tiger Reserve, it could signal a much-needed boost for the sanctuary, plagued by challenges like poaching and shrinking habitats. As officials continue monitoring the tiger’s movements, the focus remains on striking a balance between conservation and human-wildlife coexistence.One day in Ukraine illustrates the harsh realities of life while the conflict rages for a thousand days.
