Ahmedabad, Gujarat: Gujarat, famously known as the land of lions, has added another milestone to its wildlife legacy. While the Gir National Park continues to attract tourists worldwide for sightings of the Asiatic lion, recent developments confirm the presence of tigers in the state as well. Gujarat’s Forest Minister, Pravin Mali, shared photographs of a tiger that has been residing safely in the state for the past nine months, marking a significant achievement in wildlife conservation.
A Historic Achievement in Wildlife Conservation
Minister Pravin Mali stated that Gujarat has entered a golden chapter in wildlife preservation. A four-year-old tiger, originally from Madhya Pradesh, has made the Ratanmahal forests its permanent home. With this development, Gujarat has become the only state in India where Asiatic lions, leopards, and tigers coexist in the wild. Mali credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary guidance and the support of the central government for enabling this success. He emphasized that the state forest department is fully committed to ensuring a safe and sustainable habitat for the tiger.
Tiger’s Journey and Habitat
The tiger entered Gujarat from the Madhya Pradesh border, specifically near Dahod district, and has been residing in the area for the past nine months. This is a positive contrast to 2019, when a tiger in Mahisagar district survived only 20 days. Experts suggest that the tiger’s prolonged stay indicates that it finds the Ratanmahal forest favorable and suitable for its habitat.
Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhvadia expressed happiness over the development, highlighting that the tiger’s sustained presence demonstrates the effectiveness of Gujarat’s wildlife conservation measures.
Significance for Gujarat
This achievement enhances Gujarat’s status as a unique wildlife destination, combining the presence of lions, leopards, and tigers in one state. It also underscores the state’s dedicated efforts in habitat preservation and biodiversity protection, ensuring that Gujarat remains a leading example in India’s wildlife conservation initiatives.
Discover more from City Sphere
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.