Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary to be Declared a Tiger Reserve
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| News Event | Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary to be Declared a Tiger Reserve |
| Location | Raisen, Sehore, and Bhopal districts, Madhya Pradesh |
| Total Area | Approximately 3,500 sq km |
| Core Tiger Area | 1,500 sq km |
| Buffer Zone | 2,000 sq km |
| Tiger Population | 40 tigers in the sanctuary; 12 tigers in nearby forest areas |
| Tourism Impact | Expected to boost tourism and improve the local economy |
| Safety Measures | Construction of 25 overpasses and underpasses; relocation of core area villages |
| Biodiversity | Wildlife includes leopards, hyenas, jackals, chital, sambar, nilgai, and over 150 bird species |
| Cultural Significance | Houses Bhimbetka rock shelters, a UNESCO World Heritage Site |
| Status | Awaiting final approval from the state wildlife board meeting |