In an extraordinary display of natural instinct, Johnny, a male tiger from Maharashtra, has embarked on an impressive 300-km journey from Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary to Telangana. The tiger, believed to be between six and eight years old, is reportedly on a quest to find a mate. His journey, closely monitored by forest officials using a radio collar, has captured the attention of wildlife enthusiasts and experts alike.
Johnny’s journey began in late October from the Kinwat taluka in Maharashtra’s Nanded district. Traveling through dense forests and agricultural lands, he passed through Adilabad and Nirmal districts in Telangana. Forest officials first spotted Johnny in the Boath mandal of Adilabad, from where he continued his trek across various other regions, including Kuntala, Sarangapur, Mamada, and Pembi mandals in Nirmal district. Notably, Johnny crossed the Hyderabad-Nagpur NH-44 highway and is now thought to be headed toward the Tiryani area.
The ambitious journey has sparked interest in the natural behavior of tigers, particularly male tigers seeking mates. According to forest officials, Johnny’s long travel is typical for male tigers during their mating season, which occurs in the winter months. Adilabad District Forest Officer Prashanth Bajirao Patil explained that male tigers often travel long distances when they cannot find a mate within their established territory.
Throughout his journey, Johnny has faced occasional conflicts with local livestock. Reports suggest that he has killed five cattle and made several unsuccessful attempts to hunt cows. Despite this, forest officials have assured the public that tigers in search of mates do not pose a direct threat to humans. They have advised residents to remain calm and avoid confrontation, as Johnny is unlikely to be a danger to people unless provoked.
Johnny’s path through Telangana hints at a potential destination—the Kawal Tiger Reserve (KTR). The reserve, which has struggled to maintain a stable tiger population, has seen migrating tigers pass through, but there have been no resident tigers in the area since 2022. Chief Wildlife Warden Elusing Meru sees Johnny’s journey as a potential turning point for the reserve. “If Johnny settles in KTR’s core area, it could be a significant development for the future of the reserve,” he noted.
Tigers are known to have an exceptional sense of smell, capable of detecting the scent of females in heat from distances of up to 100 kilometers. This ability guides their movements as they search for potential mates, and Johnny’s extensive trek could very well lead him to a new territory that supports his long-term survival and mating opportunities.
As Johnny continues his journey, forest officials remain vigilant, tracking his movements and ensuring that the public remains informed. His remarkable trek not only sheds light on the natural behavior of tigers but also emphasizes the importance of preserving habitats that allow these majestic creatures to thrive.
With the possibility of Johnny settling in the Kawal Tiger Reserve, wildlife authorities hope this will help bolster the tiger population in the region and lead to a more stable ecosystem.
