Overview
- The National Tiger Conservation Authority has recognized Gujarat as tiger-present for the next national census after field verification in Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Forest staff captured a camera-trap image on February 22 at 2:40 am and recorded fresh pugmarks on February 23 in the Pipalgota Round of the Kanjeta Range.
- The NTCA’s preliminary assessment records an estimated population of one tiger in the sanctuary, and the state says a formal written communication is still pending.
- Gujarat has expanded camera traps, strengthened water sources, boosted security and fire prevention, and augmented prey by releasing sambar and chital and relocating other herbivores, with staff training underway.
- Officials are exploring the introduction of a female tiger and seeking Tiger Reserve status for Ratanmahal to establish a breeding population, complementing the state’s existing lion and leopard populations.