The presence of a good wild prey base and wildlife corridor seem to be attracting tigers to the Painganga Wildlife Sanctuary (PWS). PNGT1, a male tiger named Johnny by tourists, and PNGT2, a female tigress, both from Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Yavatmal near Nagpur walked to PWS and have made this sanctuary their home. A Nagpur-based conservation photographer was lucky to spot Johnny at Painganga a few days back.

PNGT1 came to PWS in May 2020 while PNGT2 arrived in March 2021, both of them came from Tipeshwar which is 80 kms away. The aerial distance between the two sanctuaries is 45 sq km.  Their journey once again highlights the importance of wildlife corridors. Experts think that Johnny can further move to adjoining Kawal Tiger Reserve in Telangana.