Tigers Return to Gujarat After 30 Years

Gandhinagar | Gujarat — Gujarat, renowned for its Gir, has expanded its identity beyond just being the habitat of Asiatic lions. After over thirty years, Gujarat is on the path to reclaiming its status as a ‘Tiger State,’ with a consistent presence of tigers now documented in the state’s forests.

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has officially verified that tigers have been residing in the Ratanmahal Sanctuary located in Dahod district for an extended period. Consequently, Gujarat has emerged as the pioneering state in the nation to host three significant big cat species.

Officials from the NTCA assert that the prolonged presence of tigers in the same region serves as evidence that Gujarat’s forests are conducive to their survival. This achievement is regarded as significant for the state’s initiatives in forest conservation.

Forest Minister Arjun Modhwadia has indicated that there are indications of a tiger establishing its presence in Ratanmahal. The NTCA dispatched a study committee. The report has been submitted by which party.

The habitat of tigers in Ratanmahal

A young tiger was reported to have crossed into the Ratanmahal area from the Madhya Pradesh border in February, as stated by the forest department. What began as the assumption of a stray tiger has evolved into a compelling narrative, as its unwavering presence in the same area for the past ten months indicates that this forest has become its established territory. Following the analysis of camera traps and photographic evidence, the NTCA has made the decision to incorporate Gujarat into the 2026 All India Tiger Census.

Tiger State returns after a three-decade hiatus

The most recent official count of tigers in Gujarat took place in 1989. The state was subsequently omitted from the tiger census, attributed to insufficient evidence of tiger presence. Since the 1990s, Gujarat has seen a decline in its status as the ‘Tiger State’. The long wait has finally concluded with the stable presence of tigers in Ratanmahal.

Preparations, including the installation of radio collars, are now underway.

A plan is in place to equip a radio collar during the forthcoming tiger census, enabling the monitoring of its activities. A survey will be carried out to assess the availability of prey animals and the potential presence of female tigers in the regions surrounding Ratanmahal. Should all conditions align positively, measures may be initiated to establish Ratanmahal as a tiger sanctuary in the future.

Fresh persona following Gir

There is a notable rise in the lion population in Gir, while simultaneously, tigers have made their presence known in Ratanmahal. The two events are reshaping Gujarat’s identity within the national landscape of wildlife conservation. In the forests of the state, the powerful roar of tigers joins the majestic sounds of lions, creating a symphony of wildlife that captivates the senses.

Dr. Jaipal Singh, a senior officer of the Forest Department, reports that the tiger has adapted to the Ratanmahal forest and is frequently spotted in this region. The presence of ample water, abundant prey, and a thriving natural habitat in Ratanmahal allows the tiger to inhabit this area with remarkable confidence. The tiger’s movements, health, and behavior are under continuous observation. Simultaneously, the state government and the forest department have taken decisive action to put an end to it once and for all in this region.

Efforts are underway to establish a sanctuary akin to Ratanmahal.

Significant efforts are underway to bolster the population of this tiger prior to its return. Efforts are underway to boost the populations of prey species such as chital and sambar to support the tiger population. In addition to this, efforts are underway to establish a sanctuary similar to Ratanmahal as part of the ‘Tigers Outside Tiger Reserve’ initiative in Gujarat.

Efforts are underway to explore the feasibility of relocating a tigress.

A letter has been dispatched by the forest department to the NTCA (National Tiger Conservation Authority) addressing the entire issue at hand. The NTCA is currently exploring the option of relocating a tigress to Ratanmahal in an effort to bolster the local tiger population. A process will be undertaken to select a tigress with superior genetic quality from one of the three adjacent states.

At present, Ratanmahal is home to just a single tiger: Forest Officer

In recent days, discussions have emerged regarding the presence of another tiger in the Ratanmahal forest. In this context, Jaipal Singh stated that no other tiger has appeared; everyone is referring to the tiger currently in the forest as the other tiger, and the footprints observed are indeed its tracks. At present, the Ratanmahal forest is home to just a single tiger.

Officials linked to NTCA have indicated that multiple stages will be scrutinized prior to the decision regarding the tigress’s relocation. The factors at play encompass the potential for human-tiger conflict in Ratanmahal, the ecological conditions of the forest, security measures in place, the distances involved, and the genetic compatibility between the tiger and the tigress. The ultimate choice will be made only after assessing the genetic similarities, akin to the process of matching horoscopes.

NTCA is set to compile a comprehensive report focusing on the site assessment, ensuring sufficient food availability, security measures for future cubs, and the overall suitability for long-term habitation. Only when all the criteria meet the necessary standards will the tigress be relocated to Ratan Mahal from an appropriate location.

The Forest Department is optimistic that a successful initiative could position Ratan Mahal as a pivotal hub for tiger conservation in Gujarat, potentially reshaping the landscape of biodiversity and wildlife preservation in the state.