Rajasthan has successfully released a male tiger cub, RVT-07, into the wild at the Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve, marking the state’s first scientific attempt at rewilding an orphaned tiger. The cub was rescued from the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve approximately two years ago and has since undergone extensive rehabilitation.

This significant event took place on the night of June 23, 2026, when the tiger cub was given access to its natural habitat. Initial moments saw RVT-07 making two attempts to leave its enclosure, eventually stepping out the following day around noon. Forest officials note that the cub’s movements will be closely monitored as it adapts to its surroundings.

Rehabilitation and Preparation

Before its release, RVT-07 was cared for at Abheda Biological Park in Kota for nearly 22 months. During this time, wildlife specialists focused on enhancing the cub’s natural hunting abilities and survival skills. The goal was to prepare RVT-07 for a successful reintegration into the wild, ensuring it could fend for itself.

On December 5, 2024, as part of the rewilding initiative, RVT-07 was transferred to a specially designed five-hectare enclosure at Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve. Throughout the subsequent year and a half, forest officials and wildlife experts regularly evaluated the cub’s well-being and behavioural development, adhering to expert recommendations and guidelines from the National Tiger Conservation Authority.

On June 7, 2026, a radio collar was fitted to RVT-07, enabling effective post-release monitoring. This technological advancement will facilitate continuous tracking of the cub’s movements as it navigates its new environment.

Monitoring and Future Implications

The monitoring of RVT-07’s behaviour will be comprehensive, employing GPS-VHF radio collar technology, camera traps, and field surveillance to ensure its safety and adaptation to the wild. The Chief Conservator of Forest Wildlife and Director of the Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve, Sugna Ram Jat, underscored the importance of this programme as a landmark achievement in wildlife conservation efforts within the state.

The initiative is expected to serve as a model for future conservation projects aimed at the rewilding of orphaned tiger cubs across India. The use of unique identification codes for tigers, which connects them to their respective reserves, plays a crucial role in tracking and managing the species effectively.

Officials have expressed optimism that RVT-07’s release not only constitutes a significant step in Rajasthan’s wildlife conservation agenda but also contributes valuable insights for similar efforts nationwide. As RVT-07 begins its journey in the wild, it represents hope for the continued preservation of tiger populations in India.

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