Baripada: Odisha’s wildlife department has moved ahead with preparations for the second phase of tiger translocation to the Similipal Tiger Reserve after the successful relocation of two tigresses from Maharashtra’s Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in 2024. Once state approval is obtained, the plan will be forwarded to the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests, with the National Tiger Conservation Authority also expected to play a role in the process. The initiative builds on the carefully planned first phase in which tigresses Zeenat and Jamuna were brought from Tadoba-Andhari to address concerns over genetic isolation. Meanwhile, the reserve faced a setback this week when a five-year-old female melanistic tiger was found dead in the Upper Barakumuda region of the Similipal South Division’s core area. Authorities have ordered an inquiry into the incident in line with National Tiger Conservation Authority protocols, with samples sent for detailed examination to determine the cause of death.