Prey Augmentation Centre at Maddimadugu range set to boost Tiger population in Amrabad Reserve

According to forest officials, ATR is home to at least 33 tigers and officials expect the population to increase further. As per the All-India Tiger Estimation Report – 2022, the tiger population in the ATR had gradually increased to 21 tigers, which included seven males, six females and eight cubs.

Hyderabad: To further increase the tiger and wild cat population in the Amrabad Tiger Reserve (ATR), the forest department is establishing a prey augmentation centre at Maddimadugu forest range.

Spread over 35 hectares, the centre will house the prey base, including Spotted Deer, Nilgai and Sambar. It will be a secure enclosure with chain link fencing and two gates. In the future, it will also serve as a rehabilitation centre for injured carnivores with a special enclosure within the centre.

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The aim is to increase the prey base. Though there was a considerable population of spotted deer and other prey in Farahabad and neighbouring areas, the Maddimadugu range and its surroundings lack a sufficient prey base, a forest official said.

During summers, tigers and other wild animals swim across the River Krishna and take shelter in the Maddimadugu range. This centre, which was basically a soft release centre, would serve as a prey base augmentation centre and aid in increasing the wild cat population, the official explained.

According to forest officials, ATR is home to at least 33 tigers and officials expect the population to increase further. As per the All-India Tiger Estimation Report – 2022, the tiger population in the ATR had gradually increased to 21 tigers, which included seven males, six females and eight cubs. The next census is likely to be conducted next year.

There are many spotted deer at Vanasthalipuram Park and Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad. The excess population has posed a challenge for officials to ensure their safety and well being.

Accordingly, the department has now decided to shift a few spotted deer to the soft release centre, Maddimadugu. The first batch of nearly 15 spotted deer from Vanasthalipuram and Nehru Zoo Park is likely to be shifted to the centre by the end of this month, the official added.