Overview
- NTCA’s field assessment confirmed a settled tiger in Dahod’s Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary and recognised Gujarat as a tiger-present state for the next national count.
- The animal was first captured on a camera trap on February 22, followed by pugmark detection on February 23, with months of repeat images establishing residency.
- State authorities have intensified monitoring, expanded camera traps, secured water sources, strengthened fire prevention and bolstered prey by releasing chital and sambar.
- Gujarat now uniquely hosts lion, tiger and leopard in the wild, officials said.
- Gujarat’s forest department says a formal NTCA communication is still awaited, and it is exploring introducing a female and pursuing Tiger Reserve status for Ratanmahal.