Gujarat Set to Regain Tiger-Bearing State Status: A Milestone in India’s Wildlife Conservation
By Home Academy
Gujarat is poised to regain its historic status as a tiger-bearing state following the confirmed and sustained presence of a Royal Bengal Tiger in the Jambughoda and Ratanmahal forest ranges. This development marks a significant milestone in India’s wildlife conservation efforts and adds a new chapter to Gujarat’s rich ecological legacy.
The return of the tiger after decades highlights the success of habitat connectivity, forest regeneration, and coordinated conservation strategies involving state and national wildlife authorities.
Unique Biodiversity Status of Gujarat
With the confirmation of the tiger’s presence, Gujarat has achieved a rare ecological distinction. It is now the only state in India to host all three major big cats:
Asiatic Lion
Royal Bengal TigerLeopard
This unique biodiversity status underscores Gujarat’s ecological diversity and strengthens its position as a crucial state in India’s wildlife conservation framework.
Tiger Migration and Wildlife Corridor Significance
The Royal Bengal Tiger is believed to have migrated approximately 60 km from the Katthiwada Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh to Gujarat’s Kanjeta range and Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary.
A 90-km forest corridor connecting Kanjeta and Jambughoda has been identified as a thriving natural habitat. This corridor features:
Dense forest cover
Natural cavesPermanent water sources
These conditions make the landscape suitable for long-term tiger conservation and natural dispersal, highlighting the importance of inter-state ecological corridors.
Conservation Measures and NTCA Coordination
To ensure the establishment of a stable tiger population, the Gujarat Forest Department is actively coordinating with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). A key proposal under consideration is the introduction of a female tiger to facilitate natural breeding and population stability in the region.
This step reflects a strategic shift from passive monitoring to proactive conservation planning.
Prey Base Augmentation Strategy
To sustain the tiger population and minimize human–animal conflict, Gujarat has implemented a Prey Base Augmentation Programme. A Herbivore Breeding Centre has been established near Kada Dam to breed:
Spotted deer (Chital)
Sambar
These herbivores will be released into the wild to strengthen the natural prey base, ensuring ecological balance and reducing the likelihood of the tiger venturing into human settlements.
Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary: Ecological Profile
The Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary is a major biodiversity hub in central Gujarat. It is characterised by:
Dry southern tropical forests
Dry deciduous forestsSecondary forests interspersed with grasslands and medicinal herbs
The landscape is dominated by dense thickets of Teak, Mahua, and Bamboo, providing ideal cover for diverse wildlife.
The sanctuary supports a significant population of Leopards and other fauna such as:
Sloth Bears
Chausinghas (four-horned antelope)Nilgais
Hyenas
Its location makes it a critical ecological corridor linking Gujarat with forest landscapes of Madhya Pradesh.
Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary: Strategic and Ecological Importance
Located along the Gujarat–Madhya Pradesh border, the Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary, established in 1982, is renowned for hosting Gujarat’s highest population of Sloth Bears.
The sanctuary consists of:
Dry teak forestsMixed deciduous forests
- Vegetation dominated by Bamboo, Mahua, and Jamun trees
Apart from its rich wildlife, including a high density of Leopards, Ratanmahal holds major hydrological significance. It serves as the catchment area of the River Panam, playing a vital role in water conservation for the Dahod and Panchmahal districts.
Significance for Competitive Exams
This development is highly relevant for UPSC, SSC, JKSSB, State PSCs, and environmental studies, covering themes such as:
Wildlife conservation in India
Tiger corridors and migrationNTCA initiatives
Biodiversity hotspots of Gujarat
Human–wildlife conflict mitigation
Conclusion
Gujarat’s journey towards regaining its tiger-bearing status reflects the success of long-term conservation efforts, habitat connectivity, and scientific wildlife management. The presence of the Royal Bengal Tiger alongside Asiatic Lions and Leopards positions Gujarat as a unique ecological stronghold in India, reinforcing the importance of sustainable conservation policies for future generations.