Kolhapur: The Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, western Maharashtra’s lone tiger reserve spread across Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara and Ratnagiri districts, has been enjoying a wildlife tourism since the arrival of tigresses Chanda, Tara and Hirkani.The tourist count has increased rapidly at the Chandoli National Park, part of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, where the Chanda and Tara were released after being translocated from the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve.Dhananjay Jadhav, a wildlife photographer, said, “In my past couple of visits to the Chandoli National Park this year, I have been able to take photos of Tara. I also spotted gaurs (Indian bison), leopards, wild boar, sambar deer, barking deer, Indian giant squirrel, and various species of birds and butterflies. For the wildlife safari, the same route is used to go in and return. If an alternative route is provided, tourists arriving at Chandoli will be able to see more of the flora and fauna.“Forest officials said that with the help of local residents, conservation of wildlife and sustainable tourism could both be achieved.Rushikesh Patil, Chandoli’s range forest officer, said, “Earlier, tourist footfall used to be good only on the weekends. However, since Chanda and Tara have been translocated into Chandoli, the tourist count has been increasing on weekdays as well. Earlier, every year between Oct and May, around 5,500 to 6,000 tourists used to visit Chandoli. This year, we have already hosted 4,299 visitors till Jan. Summer vacation months are ahead and we are sure to see around 30% increase in tourists before the start of the monsoon. All thanks to Chanda and Tara for accepting Chandoli as their new home.”The Sahyadri Tiger Reserve was notified in 2010 by amalgamating Chandoli National Park and Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary. The corridor allows connectivity of the tiger population in the Sahyadri Reserve, Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary, Amboli Reserve Forest, Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary in Goa, and Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary and Kali Tiger Reserve in Karnataka.The increase in tourism at Chandoli and Sahyadri Tiger Reserve has also helped locals involved in tourism.Ashpak, a restaurant owner at Mandur village in Chandoli, said, “The increase in tourists at Chandoli National Park has resulted in the growth of commercial activities. Prices of land in Chandoli have also gone up. A few hotels and resorts have come up. Chandoli was beautiful from the start; the arrival of tigers has put it on the tourism map.”Tushar Chavan, field director, Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, said, “As of now, tigresses Chanda, Tara, and Hirkani have been released in the Chandoli and Koyna region of Sahyadri Tiger Reserve. Three male tigers — Senapati, Subedar, and Baji — are already residents of STR. The names of these tigers were given by locals and wildlife safari guides. This increases public awareness about tigers, builds a close bond with them, and gives new momentum to the conservation work while increasing tourism.“
