Gujarat just confirmed its first sighting of a tiger since the 1980s as a Royal Bengal Tiger was spotted in the Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary in the Dahod district. Given that Gujarat last had a tiger population of about 12 in 1989, mostly in the Dang jungles in South Gujarat, this wildlife sighting is noteworthy.
For around three months, the tiger, who is thought to be five years old, has been visiting the sanctuary's periphery.
According to forest officials, the tiger might have travelled from nearby Madhya Pradesh, specifically from the tiger-rich areas of Jhabua and Kathiwada. Sub-adult and adult male tigers are likely seeking new areas as a result of Madhya Pradesh's growing tiger population. Since the Ratanmahal Sanctuary is close to Madhya Pradesh, it is a likely destination for tigers, who are known to traverse hundreds of kilometres in search of suitable habitats.
Gujarat is presently the only state in India to be home to the Asiatic lion, leopard, and now Bengal tiger, the three main big cats. The state contains a significant number of leopards in several different areas and is well-known for its Asiatic lion population in the Gir Forest. With the arrival of the tiger, Gujarat's standing as a major big cat habitat in the nation is strengthened.
After many years, a tiger has returned to Gujarat, highlighting the value of wildlife corridors and habitat connectivity between states. Additionally, it draws attention to the accomplishments of conservation initiatives in nearby areas, which has a cascading impact.
However, ongoing observation and habitat management are necessary if the tiger is to establish a permanent range in Gujarat. To find out if the tiger would designate territory within the state, forest officials are now tracking its travels.
Both the general public and wildlife lovers are quite interested in the sighting. The magnificent animal in its natural environment is seen in a video that went viral and shows the tiger in the Ratanmahal Sanctuary. In order to encourage wildlife protection and a sense of pride in the state's natural heritage, such public interaction can be extremely important.
One of the most significant moments in Gujarat's natural history is the tiger's reintroduction. In addition to enhancing the biodiversity of the state, it highlights the necessity of ongoing conservation initiatives and habitat preservation. Gujarat is on the verge of a new era in wildlife conservation as the tiger, which represents resiliency and optimism in the natural world, may establish its territory in the Ratanmahal Sanctuary.
(With inputs from various sources.)
