A Royal Bengal tiger has finally made a permanent residence after 32 years in the Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary of Dahod in Gujarat. Examined by three years of camera-trap work, the five-year-old male has been living in the region for nine months, marking a historical regaining of wildlife to the state. This has been termed as a significant conservation milestone by the officials, which has seen better quality habitat conditions and also enhanced connectivity between the adjacent forest areas. The reappearance of the tiger would mean the success of the ecosystem and the future of ample conservation of the big cats in Gujarat.
Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location & Size: Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary is found in Dahod district, Gujarat, extending about 55.65 sq km with Madhya Pradesh as the outer neighbour.
- Setting up: The sanctuary was proclaimed in 1982.
- Habitat: Characterised by dry teak forests, mixed deciduous woodland, bamboo brakes and some sadad and timru.
- Flora: Abundant in mahua, jamun, numerous shrubs, herbs, climbers and orchid species.
- Fauna: It has a reputation for a big population of sloth bears, leopards, hyenas, four-horned antelope, langurs and currently a tiger.
- Reptiles & Birds: Cobras, non-venomous snakes and more than 140 bird species can be found there.
- Turning up, Tiger It is thought to have naturally migrated from neighbouring Madhya Pradesh.
Conclusion
A successful conservation story that has seen a tiger back in Gujarat after 32 years is an incredible symbolic success in conservation. The achievement of this milestone means that the habitat management has been enhanced, the wildlife corridors are stronger, and that its protection is dedicated. The occurrence of the big cat in Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary can be seen as a source of new hope for the growth of the biodiversity and as the strong intent of Gujarat to preserve its natural heritage.
