Source: TOI
Context: The Madhya Pradesh government has officially notified the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary as the state’s 8th Tiger Reserve.
About Ratapani Tiger Reserve:
- Location: Situated in the Vindhyachal Mountain Ranges across Raisen and Sehore districts of Madhya Pradesh.
- Origin: Initially declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1976, extended in 1983, and received NTCA’s approval for a tiger reserve in 2008.
- Rivers and Water Bodies: The Kolar River forms its western boundary, while the Dahod reservoir and Ratapani reservoir are key water sources within the reserve.
- Flora: Features dry and moist deciduous forests, hosting diverse vegetation.
- Fauna: Home to 56 tigers, 70 leopards, sloth bears, chinkaras, crocodiles, and the paradise flycatcher, the state bird of Madhya Pradesh (2022 census).
- Significance: Includes Bhimbetka rock shelters, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of international importance, adding cultural and historical value to the reserve.
- Other Tiger Reserves in Madhya Pradesh: Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Panna, Pench, Sanjay-Dubri, Satpura, and Veerangana Durgavati.
Insta links:
