In a remarkable turn of events, the Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary has welcomed the return of a wild tiger, marking its reappearance in Gujarat after several decades. This magnificent creature has established a permanent presence in the sanctuary located in Dahod.
Situated on the border of Gujarat with Madhya Pradesh, the Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a protected area in March 1982. It is famously known as the "Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary" due to its high population of sloth bears.
The sanctuary is a crucial catchment area for the Panam River, a significant water source in Central Gujarat. It features dry teak forests at its foothills, while mixed deciduous forests and dry bamboo brakes are found along its periphery.
The vegetation in the sanctuary is diverse, with a high concentration of 'Mahudo' trees, alongside pure patches of 'Sadad' and 'Timru' trees found on the hill plateaus. Other notable flora includes teak, dudhlo, amla, bamboo, dhavdo, kakadiyo, tanach, charoli, ber, jamun, and khakhro.
Ratanmahal is home to a variety of wildlife including leopards, palm civets, Indian civets, four-horned antelopes, Loten’s sunbirds, and large green barbets. The sanctuary's rich biodiversity makes it a vital habitat for numerous species.
The return of the tiger to Ratanmahal is a testament to the sanctuary's thriving ecosystem and the conservation efforts that continue to protect and nurture the wildlife of Gujarat.
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