The Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR) in Maharashtra, India, is optimistic about its future tiger population as forest officials suspect that tigresses Chanda and Tara are pregnant. If confirmed, this would lead to the first breeding tiger population in the reserve, a significant step in efforts to enhance the tiger presence in the northern Western Ghats. Both tigresses were relocated from the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve between November and December 2025, joining eight other tigers already in the reserve. The movement and behavior of Chanda and Tara suggest possible pregnancy, prompting officials to monitor them closely using field tracking and camera surveillance. Tushar Chavan, the Field Director of STR, noted that both tigresses had mated with male tigers, reinforcing the pregnancy suspicion. Wildlife researcher Girish Punjabi expressed optimism about the potential cubs, emphasizing the importance of genetic intermixing for conservation. However, he cautioned that the cubs must be born, survive, and eventually disperse to contribute to the broader tiger population.