NEW DELHI: In a landmark decision for wildlife conservation, the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary has officially been declared a tiger reserve. This announcement comes after the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, through the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), granted in-principle approval. The designation marks a significant step towards ensuring better management and conservation of the region’s wildlife.
Officials have highlighted the numerous benefits which this move will bring and particularly for local communities. The promotion of ecotourism is expected to generate employment opportunities and improve livelihoods in the region. Additionally, the tiger reserve status enables the state to receive NTCA funding, which will bolster conservation efforts.
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The notification delineates the core and buffer areas of the new tiger reserve, making Ratapani the eighth tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh. The core area spans 763.8 square kilometers, while the buffer area covers 507.6 square kilometers, totaling 1,271.4 square kilometers. Located in the Raisen district, the sanctuary is rich in teak forests and encompasses the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters which is a World Heritage Site.
The official notification comes after a prolonged wait since 2007. The Madhya Pradesh government had been slow to finalize the
NEW DELHI: In a landmark decision for wildlife conservation, the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary has officially been declared a tiger reserve. This announcement comes after the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, through the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), granted in-principle approval. The designation marks a significant step towards ensuring better management and conservation of the region’s wildlife.
Officials have highlighted the numerous benefits which this move will bring and particularly for local communities. The promotion of ecotourism is expected to generate employment opportunities and improve livelihoods in the region. Additionally, the tiger reserve status enables the state to receive NTCA funding, which will bolster conservation efforts.
ALSO READ: Chhattisgarh’s Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla notified as India’s 56th Tiger Reserve
The notification delineates the core and buffer areas of the new tiger reserve, making Ratapani the eighth tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh. The core area spans 763.8 square kilometers, while the buffer area covers 507.6 square kilometers, totaling 1,271.4 square kilometers. Located in the Raisen district, the sanctuary is rich in teak forests and encompasses the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters which is a World Heritage Site.
The official notification comes after a prolonged wait since 2007. The Madhya Pradesh government had been slow to finalize the process despite prior approvals. Challenging the delay, Wildlife activist Ajay Dubey filed a PIL in the Madhya Pradesh High Court. Emphasizing the urgent need to protect the tiger population, the court’s intervention finally expedited the notification.
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Ratapani is the home of around 90 tigers and has faced increasing human-wildlife conflict due to delays in its official designation. The lack of sufficient prey and habitat degradation caused by encroachment have exacerbated these issues. A tiger was killed by villagers in 2012 after straying into human settlements, highlighting the need for prompt action.
Conservationists are cautiously optimistic about the future of Ratapani Tiger Reserve. The notification is seen as a critical first step, but effective management is key. This includes establishing clear boundaries, strengthening anti-poaching measures, and promoting wildlife-friendly practices among local communities.
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This decision also follows the recent approval for Madhav National Park to be declared a tiger reserve. As Madhya Pradesh continues to expand its network of protected areas, the focus remains on sustainable conservation practices and improving coexistence between wildlife and local communities.
