Gujarat’s forests have witnessed a historic wildlife milestone, with the confirmed presence of a Royal Bengal tiger after more than three decades. For the first time in 32 years, a tiger has taken up long-term residence in the state, marking a major ecological comeback.
Forest officials have verified that a male tiger has been living inside the Ratan Mahal Wildlife Sanctuary in Dahod district for the past nine months. This development places Gujarat among the rare Indian states that now host all three major big cat species—lion, leopard and tiger. While Gujarat is globally recognised as the last home of the Asiatic lion, the addition of a tiger signals a significant expansion of the state’s wildlife diversity.
Forest Minister Arjun Modhwadia called it a proud moment for Gujarat, saying the state’s varied ecosystems have once again proven capable of supporting rich and complex animal populations. According to senior forest officers, the tiger, estimated to be around five years old, was first spotted near the border areas of Madhya Pradesh, particularly close to Jhabua and Kathiwada. These neighbouring regions have experienced substantial growth in tiger numbers and officials believe the animal may have migrated naturally in search of new territory.
Since its first sighting nine months ago, the Gujarat Forest Department has tracked the tiger through camera traps and intensive field monitoring. Authorities released photographic evidence confirming its continuous presence in the dense forest terrain of Ratan Mahal, marking the first stable tiger movement recorded in the state in decades.
Unlike brief sightings reported in the 1980s and early 2000s, this tiger has stayed within Gujarat for an extended period. It is an encouraging sign that the sanctuary offers suitable habitat conditions. Wildlife experts say the tiger’s arrival highlights the success of inter-state corridor connectivity between Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.
With lions thriving in Saurashtra, leopards spread across central and northern Gujarat and now a tiger in Dahod, the state stands out as a unique and evolving landscape for big cat conservation. Authorities are now focusing on enhancing habitat security and maintaining prey density to support the tiger’s long-term survival.
-
Bachchan family’s daughter-in-law touched PM Modi’s feet, Prime Minister blessed him by placing his hand on his head, actress stole the show with a powerful speech
-
I had no symptoms, Mahima Chaudhary told the painful story of her battle with breast cancer:
-
The Morning Show Showrunner on if Apple TV Series Will End After Season 5
-
Priyanka Chopra credits Juhi Chawla as the inspiration behind her on-point curls
-
PM Kisan 21st Instalment: PM Modi pressed the button, Rs 2000-2000 reached the accounts of 9 crore farmers, check this way
