Ratapani Tiger Reserve

Table of Contents

Context

The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh recently announced that the newly declared Ratapani Tiger Reserve will be named in honour of renowned archaeologist and Padma Shri awardee, Dr. Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar.

About Ratapani Tiger Reserve

History
- It has been a wildlife sanctuary since 1976.
- It was declared as a tiger reserve in 2024.
Location:
- It is situated in the Raisen and Sehore districts of Madhya Pradesh.
- This forest is spread over hills of the Vindhya ranges.
- The sanctuary runs parallel on the northern side of Narmada River, the “life line of Madhya Pradesh”
Drainage and Water Bodies:
- The Kolar River forms its western boundary.
- Two large reservoirs, namely Barna Reservoir and Ratapani Dam (Barrusot Lake) are among the major water bodies adjacent to or inside the reserve.
Cultural Significance:
- The sanctuary encompasses a World Heritage Site “Bhimbetka Rock Shelters” and many other historical and religious destinations like Ginnourgarh Fort, POW camp, Keri Mahadeo, Ratapani dam, Jholiyapur dam etc.
Flora (Vegetation):
- The forest of Ratapani is a dry deciduous and moist deciduous type, with teak (Tectona grandis) as the main tree species.
- About 55% of the area is covered by teak.
Fauna (Wildlife):
- The sanctuary supports a rich diversity of wildlife, including apex predators such as tigers and leopards, along with dholes, sloth bears, wild boars, and sambars. Other carnivores like hyenas, jackals, and foxes are also found in the region.
- The herbivore population is equally diverse, comprising spotted deer (chital), blue bull (nilgai), sambar, barking deer, chinkara, blackbuck, and various monkey species. Sloth bears are commonly sighted across the forested landscape.
- The sanctuary is also a haven for avifauna, hosting over 150 species of birds, including the Paradise Flycatcher, which is the state bird of Madhya Pradesh.
- Crocodiles find a good habitat in Ratapani reservoir.

FAQs

Q1. Where is Ratapani Tiger Reserve located?

Ratapani Tiger Reserve is located in the Raisen and Sehore districts of Madhya Pradesh, spread across the Vindhya hill ranges and situated north of the Narmada River.

Q2. When was Ratapani declared a tiger reserve?

It was officially declared a tiger reserve in the year 2024, though it has been a wildlife sanctuary since 1976.

Q3. Why is Ratapani Tiger Reserve being renamed?

The reserve is being renamed in honour of Dr. Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar, a renowned archaeologist and Padma Shri awardee, known for his discovery of the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters located within the reserve.

Q4. What is the historical significance of the reserve?

Ratapani encompasses the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring prehistoric cave art. It also houses sites like Ginnourgarh Fort and POW camps.

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