Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan, India, experienced a catastrophic loss when its entire tiger population was wiped out by poaching in the early 2000s. The shocking revelation led to nationwide outrage and a renewed focus on wildlife protection. In response, the Indian government and wildlife organizations launched an ambitious plan to reintroduce tigers to Sariska, hoping to restore the reserve’s former glory.

The reintroduction program began in 2008 with the translocation of a male and a female tiger from Ranthambore National Park. The process was fraught with challenges, including the need to ensure the new tigers adapted to their surroundings and the local prey base. To prevent a repeat of past tragedies, Sariska was fortified with enhanced security measures, including increased patrolling, anti-poaching teams, and better monitoring systems.

Over the years, more tigers were introduced, and the population began to stabilize. By 2020, Sariska had a growing population of over 20 tigers, a remarkable turnaround for a reserve that had once lost all its big cats. The revival of Sariska is a story of perseverance, illustrating how a coordinated effort involving government action, scientific expertise, and community engagement can bring a devastated ecosystem back to life.