Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary Declared Tiger Reserve
Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary has officially been declared a tiger reserve, becoming the 8th such reserve in Madhya Pradesh and the 57th in India. The designation was approved by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) through the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
Key Facts About Ratapani Tiger Reserve
Situated near the Vindhya hills, the newly declared Ratapani Tiger Reserve spans a total area of 1,271.4 square kilometers, comprising a core area of 763.8 square kilometers and a buffer zone of 507.6 square kilometers.
- Bhimbetka Rock Shelters: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, these ancient rock shelters are located within the reserve, enhancing its cultural significance.
- Flora and Fauna: The reserve boasts dry and moist deciduous forests, with teak (Tectona grandis) covering 55% of the area, alongside bamboo and evergreen Saja forests.
- The sanctuary is home to over 40 tigers, along with 35 species of mammals, 33 species of reptiles, 14 species of fish, and 10 species of amphibians.
How Tiger Reserves are Designated in India
The process of declaring a tiger reserve follows a systematic procedure under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972:
- Initial Proposal:
- The state government identifies a wildlife sanctuary or national park with ecological importance and a significant tiger population.
- A conservation plan is prepared to outline management strategies and habitat requirements for sustaining tiger populations.
- Approval from NTCA:
- The proposal and plan are reviewed by the NTCA for ecological suitability and alignment with tiger conservation goals.
- In-Principle Approval:
- NTCA grants preliminary approval, recognizing the area’s critical role in tiger conservation and enabling funding support.
- Official Notification:
- The state government issues a notification under Section 38V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, officially designating the area as a tiger reserve with clearly delineated core and buffer zones.
- Community Initiatives:
- Programs are launched to promote sustainable livelihoods for local communities and ensure their active participation in managing the reserve.
- Monitoring and Evaluation:
- NTCA and state authorities conduct continuous monitoring to assess conservation outcomes and refine management strategies.
Understanding Wildlife Conservation Designations
India employs multiple conservation designations, each with distinct objectives and management frameworks:
| Feature | Wildlife Sanctuary | Tiger Reserve | Biosphere Reserve |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | Protected areas for specific species of flora and fauna, along with their habitats. | Areas specifically designated for tiger conservation and habitat protection. | Zones for biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and cultural preservation. |
| Management | Managed by state governments or private organizations. | Overseen by NTCA under the MoEF&CC. | Managed by MoEF&CC with local community involvement. |
| Public Access | Open to visitors with some restrictions. | Regulated access to minimize human disturbance; tourism allowed in designated areas. | Limited public access, primarily for research and education. |
| Legal Framework | Governed by the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. | Established under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, with specific tiger provisions. | Recognized under UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Programme and governed by national laws. |
The declaration of Ratapani as a tiger reserve is a significant step toward bolstering conservation efforts in India. With its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage, Ratapani is poised to become a major hub for conservation and ecotourism.
