Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary May Become 8th Tiger Reserve of MP

News

1. The Madhya Pradesh state wildlife board has approved the proposal to declare Ratapani wildlife sanctuary, located on the outskirts of Bhopal, as the eighth tiger reserve of the state.
2. The proposal will now be sent to the Centre for final approval.

Background

1. The proposal to declare Ratapani wildlife sanctuary as a tiger reserve has been pending since 2008.
2. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) had given in-principle approval to notify the sanctuary as a tiger reserve in 2011.

Key Points

1. Ratapani wildlife sanctuary is located on the outskirts of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
2. The sanctuary has a total of 3123 wild animals, including 56 tigers and 70 leopards.
3. The proposed tiger reserve will be the first one in the country to have proximity to a state capital.
4. The sanctuary is home to Bhimbetika, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

About Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary

1. Location: Raisen and Sehore districts of Madhya Pradesh
2. Area: 823 sq. km
3. Landscape: Rugged with hills, valleys, plateaus, and plains
4. Flora: Dry deciduous and moist deciduous forests, with 55% of the area covered by teak
5. Fauna: Home to 56 tigers, 70 leopards, and other animals such as chinkara, panther, hyena, jackal, and various species of deer

Significance

1. Ratapani tiger reserve, when notified, will be the first tiger reserve in the country to have proximity to a state capital.
2. The sanctuary is also home to Bhimbetika, a group of rock shelters and rock paintings that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What is a World Heritage Site?

1. A World Heritage Site (WHS) is a landmark or area with legal protection by an international convention administered by UNESCO.
2. These sites are designated for having cultural, historical, scientific, or other forms of significance.

Next Steps

1. After the Centre's nod, the process for notifying the wildlife sanctuary as a tiger reserve will begin, and it may take another two months to complete the formalities.
2. The proposed tiger reserve will be the eighth one in Madhya Pradesh, joining the existing seven reserves: Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Panna, Pench, Sanjay-Dubri, Satpura, and Veerangana Durgavati.

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