Return of Tigers Marks Gujarat’s Wildlife Revival

The state of Gujarat has witnessed the return of the tiger after decades of its declared extinction. The first confirmed sighting was nearly nine months ago in the Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Dahod district. This sanctuary borders Madhya Pradesh’s Jhabua and Kathiwada regions, areas known for their tiger populations. With this development, Gujarat now hosts three of the four big cats found in India – lions, tigers and leopards – and is preparing to introduce the fourth, the cheetah, under Project Cheetah.

Tiger Reappearance and Location

The tiger was first detected on 22 February 2025 through images captured by trap cameras in Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary. Forest officials noticed large footprints, larger than those of a leopard, and confirmed these belonged to a tiger. This marks the first confirmed tiger presence in Gujarat since the 1980s. The sanctuary’s proximity to tiger habitats in Madhya Pradesh likely aided the tiger’s migration.

Conservation Efforts and Monitoring

Following the confirmation, Gujarat’s forest department has intensified monitoring. Camera traps have been increased to track the tiger’s movements. Measures such as ensuring water availability, fire prevention, and prey population management have been implemented. Prey species like wild boars, nilgai, monkeys, sambar and cheetal have been observed or released to support the tiger’s sustenance. Regular surveillance confirms the tiger’s health and territory establishment.

Big Cats Diversity in Gujarat

Gujarat is now home to three big cat species – lions, tigers and leopards. The Asiatic lion population has seen growth due to focused conservation efforts. The tiger’s return adds to this diversity. Officials are also preparing to introduce cheetahs in the Banni Grasslands of Kutch. This grassland is Asia’s largest and is being developed as a breeding and conservation centre for cheetahs. The project is funded jointly by the central and state governments.

Government Role and Future Prospects

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat has prioritised forest and wildlife conservation. The return of the tiger and growth in lion populations showcase the success of these initiatives. The state’s efforts in habitat management and species protection are setting examples for other regions. The upcoming cheetah reintroduction project aims to further enhance Gujarat’s status as a wildlife hub.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Taking example of Gujarat’s tiger reappearance, discuss the role of habitat connectivity and wildlife corridors in species conservation.
2. Examine the challenges and strategies involved in the reintroduction of extinct species in India, with reference to Project Cheetah.
3. Analyse the impact of human-led conservation efforts on the population dynamics of big cats in India. Discuss in the light of Gujarat’s forest management policies.
4. Critically discuss the significance of grassland ecosystems like Banni Grasslands in biodiversity conservation and their role in supporting endangered species.

Answer Hints:

1. Taking example of Gujarat’s tiger reappearance, discuss the role of habitat connectivity and wildlife corridors in species conservation.

1. Habitat connectivity enables movement and gene flow between fragmented populations, reducing inbreeding and extinction risk.
2. Gujarat’s tiger likely migrated from Madhya Pradesh through connected forest patches and corridors near Ratanmahal Sanctuary.
3. Wildlife corridors facilitate seasonal migration, access to prey, and territory establishment for wide-ranging species like tigers.
4. Loss of connectivity leads to isolated populations vulnerable to poaching, disease, and genetic bottlenecks.
5. Effective corridor management involves habitat restoration, minimizing human-wildlife conflict, and legal protection.
6. Gujarat’s monitoring and landscape-level planning demonstrate corridor importance in species revival and conservation success.

2. Examine the challenges and strategies involved in the reintroduction of extinct species in India, with reference to Project Cheetah.

1. Challenges include habitat suitability, prey availability, human-wildlife conflict, and genetic diversity maintenance.
2. Project Cheetah involves creating large, secure enclosures (600 hectares in Banni Grasslands) with adequate prey and water.
3. Joint funding and coordination between Centre and State ensure resource mobilization and policy support.
4. Monitoring post-release health, breeding success, and ecosystem impact is critical for adaptive management.
5. Community involvement and awareness reduce conflicts and promote coexistence.
6. Lessons from past reintroductions (e.g., tiger, lion) guide habitat management and conservation strategies.

3. Analyse the impact of human-led conservation efforts on the population dynamics of big cats in India. Discuss in the light of Gujarat’s forest management policies.

1. Active forest protection, anti-poaching measures, and habitat restoration have led to population growth of lions and return of tigers in Gujarat.
2. Increased prey base through release of sambar, cheetal, and protection of wild boars supports predator sustenance.
3. Use of technology like camera traps enhances monitoring and timely intervention.
4. Government leadership and policy prioritization ensure sustained funding and political will.
5. Human-wildlife conflict mitigation and fire prevention improve survival rates and habitat quality.
6. Such efforts create a model for integrated landscape management benefiting multiple species and ecosystems.

4. Critically discuss the significance of grassland ecosystems like Banni Grasslands in biodiversity conservation and their role in supporting endangered species.

1. Grasslands support unique flora and fauna, including specialized herbivores and predators like cheetahs adapted to open habitats.
2. Banni Grasslands, Asia’s largest, provide vast space for breeding, hunting, and dispersal of grassland-dependent species.
3. They act as carbon sinks and help maintain ecological balance, supporting biodiversity beyond forests.
4. Grasslands face threats from agriculture, invasive species, and overgrazing, requiring active management.
5. Conservation projects like Project Cheetah enhance the ecological value and protection status of grasslands.
6. Integrating local communities in sustainable use ensures long-term preservation and conflict reduction.