Tiger Returns to Gujarat After Three Decades of Extinction: A Wildlife Conservation Milestone

According to forest department records, tigers disappeared from Gujarat in 1989.

Ahmedabad:

After more than three decades of extinction in Gujarat, a wandering tiger has established residence in Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary, sparking renewed hope for the return of these magnificent striped predators to the state, which has long been recognized as the final refuge for Asiatic lions.

The tiger's settlement has prompted State Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia to proudly announce that Gujarat has now become home to three major feline predators - lions, leopards, and tigers.

Modhwadia noted that tigers once thrived in substantial numbers throughout Gujarat before gradually disappearing over time.

"Forest officials have now confirmed that a tiger which migrated into Gujarat approximately nine months ago has established Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary in Dahod district as its permanent territory," Modhwadia informed reporters.

He explained that the large cat was initially detected on CCTV cameras positioned within the Ratanmahal forests in February of this year.

"Since February, forestry personnel have diligently monitored the tiger's movements. Throughout these nine months, this tiger has been consistently captured on surveillance cameras installed within the forest, confirming that the magnificent feline has permanently settled in the Ratanmahal ecosystem," the minister elaborated, noting that the tiger appears to be in excellent health.

The minister further revealed that authorities have relocated various herbivores to the forest to ensure the tiger has sufficient prey for its survival.

The National Tiger Conservation Authority has been notified about the tiger's presence in Gujarat, and their guidance has been requested regarding future conservation measures.

Historical records from the forest department indicate that tigers became extinct in Gujarat in 1989.

In February 2019, forest officials confirmed a tiger sighting in Lunawada tehsil of Mahisagar district. However, hopes for reestablishment were dashed when the animal's remains were discovered in the same forest region just two weeks later.