As tiger numbers grow in the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, authorities have named three resident tigers, all males, Senapati, Subhedar, and Baji — names of Chhatrapati Shivaji’s army ranks — to strengthen public engagement. Though the tigers are officially identified by codes, these locally inspired names are gaining popularity among tourists and locals, helping foster awareness and support for conservation efforts.
According to forest department officials, there were no resident tigers in Sahyadri Tiger Reserve before 2022 and the resident tiger population has increased from zero to three in the last four years, with these three probably having migrated from Karnataka or Goa. Wildlife lovers and conservationists told Sunday mid-day that giving the local names will help in strengthening the emotional bond between the locals and the tigers. The names have been inspired by the ranks of the warriors from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj`s army.
Tiger STR–T1 has been named as Senapati, STR–T2 has been named as Subhedar and STR–T3 has been named as Baji. It may be noted that after a gap of five-years, on December 17, 2023 a photograph of a male tiger was captured in the camera trap installed at Sahyadri tiger reserve which was given the code of STR-T1. A male tiger that was first photographed in the camera trap installed at the Radhanagari wildlife sanctuary in Kolhapur on April 23,2022, was again spotted in the camera trap installed at the same place on April 13, 2024. The same tiger was later spotted around 100 kms in the Sahyadri tiger reserve on October 2014 and was given the code STR-T2
STR-T3, another male, was captured in a camera trap image installed at Kadgaon Forest range in Kolhapur in 2023 and again photographed in the camera trap installed at Sahyadri tiger reserve in 2025. It may be noted that this tiger had also travelled to Chiplun forest in Konkan region during this period. At present the STR-T1 and STR-T2 are roaming the forest of Chandoli National Park and STR-T2 is roaming the forest of Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, which are part of the Western Ghats tiger corridor.
Tushar Chavan , Field Director, Sahyadri Tiger Reserve said, “These popular names have been given to the tigers by the local people themselves as it helps raise awareness, fosters emotional connection, and gives a boost to conservation efforts. The names ‘Senapati’, ‘Subhedar’, and ‘Baji’ also serve as a reminder of Sahyadri’s rich historical legacy.” Rohan Bhate, Honorary Wildlife Warden said, “The practice of locals naming the tigers is a unique form of public participation. It enhances their sense of ownership and emotional connection. This initiative in the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is going to be significant in terms of conservation, tourism, and public awareness.”
Wild tigers for Sahyadri
In the first phase of Operation Tara, two tigresses will soon be brought into the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve from Pench Tiger Reserve and Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve.
The Sahyadri Tiger Reserve located in Western Maharashtra spans across Satara, Kolhapur, and Sangli districts of Western Maharashtra. This project aims to protect not only the tigers but the entire biodiversity of the region. It may be noted that the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is an important part of the corridor connecting Tilari, Radhanagari, Chandoli, Koyna and Kali Tiger Reserves in Karnataka. There are about 32 tigers in this corridor, of which 14 are in the Sahyadri area of Western Maharashtra. The Maharashtra Forest Department plans to reintroduce tigers.
“Currently, there is a plan to relocate a tigress from the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve in Vidarbha to the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve. This will help in the successful future conservation of the tiger population and the overall tiger ecosystem in the Sahyadri project area.” said Kiran Jagtap, Deputy Director, Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, Koyna.
