IAF MI-17 Helicopter Transports Pench Tigress from Madhya Pradesh to Rajasthan for Relocation

An Indian Air Force MI-17 helicopter was used on Sunday to airlift a tigress from Madhya Pradesh’s Pench Tiger Reserve to Rajasthan’s Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve as part of an inter-state wildlife relocation effort.

The three-year-old tigress, PN-224, had been tracked for nearly three and a half weeks before being tranquillised and safely transported in a special cage from Seoni to Rajasthan. Wildlife experts and veterinarians accompanied the animal during the airlift to ensure her safety.

Forest officials said the relocation will help strengthen tiger population and genetic diversity in the Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve and highlighted the operation as a successful example of coordination between state forest departments and the Indian Air Force.