India, Feb. 8 -- In a significant boost to tiger conservation in western Maharashtra, a third tigress was released into the wild at the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR) early Saturday morning. Officially designated as STR-06, the tigress was released into the core forest area of the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, marking another milestone in the state's tiger reintroduction programme.

The tigress was earlier identified as PTR-123 at the Pench Tiger Reserve in eastern Maharashtra and was renumbered following her relocation, in line with official protocol. Wildlife guides and frontline forest staff at Sahyadri have fondly named her Hirkani, inspired by local history and folklore.

According to Tushar Chavan, field director of Sahyadri Tiger Reserve...