Alwar: Territorial equations in the Sariska tiger reserve are in a jeopardy! Three tigers shifted from Ranthambore are upsetting equations here. One has grabbed a major portion of the core area in the reserve forcing other big cats to the periphery near over two dozen villages with a sizable human population. Wildlife experts fear that the disturbed territorial equations may lead to straying of tigers from safe areas, raising possibilities of animal-human conflicts. There are currently 11 tigers in Sariska. “Of them, three tigers – ST-6, ST-9 and ST-10 were shifted from Ranthambore Tiger Reserve some time back. This has disturbed the territorial equations,” a wildlife expert said. ST-6 has widened his territory to such an extent that other tigers have been relegated to the periphery. Over two dozen villages are situated on the reserve’s periphery. Sources said that the areas grabbed by ST-6 were home to two cubs along with ST-2 tigress. Danger now looms large on the safety of the two cubs due to shifting of territories. ST-6 was shifted to Sariska after increased instances of his straying into Karauli, Dholpur, Bharapur and Mathura from Ranthambore reserve. Sources said after being relocated, he has taken over most of the buffer zone in Sariska including Bandipole, behind Sariska Palace, Brathari Ka Tiraha, Kankwadi, Kalighati, Rakamala, and Rajore areas. ST-6 has reportedly forced ST-4, ST-3 and ST-5 out of their territories and to redraw their areas. Sources said ST-4 has culled out areas in Kalighati, Umari, Dabali and Sukola area which aren't very safe. Besides, ST-9 and ST-10 are reported to be hunting cattle owned by villagers. Due to this, the possibility of villagers' attacks on these big cats cannot be ruled out. “Due to poaching of cattle by three tigresses, the forest department has so far given Rs 7 lakh to villagers as compensation. Sariska administration gives Rs 10,000 to the owner of a poached buffalo, Rs 5000 when a cow is killed and Rs 2000 when a calf's life is snuffed out by a tiger. In many cases, villagers are unable to track down the carcass of the cattle following which the administration refuses to compensate them. This has led to a lot of heartburn among villagers,” said a forest officer.