Social media is rallying behind "Balagol," the one-eyed tiger from the western forest, as he successfully occupies the vacant territory formerly held by "Srikosa." This aims to increase breeding opportunities and genetic diversity among tigers.
Reports state that the Facebook page of Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Wildlife Research Station posted photos with a message describing Balagol's behavior following Srikosa's departure.
Balagol is a male one-eyed tiger who was relocated by humans from the western forest to the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai forest complex on the eastern side on 6 June 2023.
Balagol spent some time exploring and familiarizing himself with the new environment, ultimately choosing to inhabit a 331-square-kilometer area adjacent to and partially overlapping Srikosa's former territory.
Images from camera traps installed to monitor the tiger population show that Balagol has moved into Srikosa's former territory, which is considered a "vacant home."
The images reveal physical changes, including well-developed muscles and clear visibility of genitalia, confirming that Balagol's body condition is not an obstacle to his survival.
At the same time, the coordinates of Balagol's photos taken within Srikosa's original area suggest that Balagol recognizes the area as a "vacant home."
Balagol's fans, including the page's admin, are collectively hoping that Balagol will successfully claim Srikosa's territory. The reward would be three female tigers, providing an opportunity for Balagol's western forest genes to mix with eastern forest tigers, thereby increasing the genetic diversity of tigers in the eastern forest.
Thanks to the Facebook page of Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Wildlife Research Station for the information.