ratapani tiger reserve for 10 January 2026

Ratapani Tiger Reserve Latest News

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister recently announced that the newly designated Ratapani Tiger Reserve will be named after the renowned archaeologist and Padma Shri awardee Dr Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar.

About Ratapani Tiger Reserve

• It is situated in the Raisen and Sehore districts of Madhya Pradesh.
• This forest is spread over hills of the Vindhya ranges.
• It is spread over an area of 1,271 sq.km.
• It runs parallel on the northern side of the Narmada River. The Kolar River forms the western boundary of the reserve. 
• Two large reservoirs, namely Barna Reservoir and Ratapani Dam (Barrusot Lake) are among the major water bodies adjacent to or inside the reserve.
• The landscape is undulating, with hills, plateaus, valleys, and plains. 
• The reserve has Bhimbetka, a group of rock shelters and rock paintings, which is one of the ” World Heritage Sites ” declared by UNESCO.
• It also encompasses many other historical and religious destinations like Ginnourgarh Fort, POW camp, Keri Mahadeo, Ratapani Dam, Jholiyapur Dam, etc.
• Flora: 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: 
  • The regal striped cat is the apex predator, and estimates suggest that 40 tigers roam these forests. 
  • Chinkara, an endangered species, is also found in the reserve.
  • It is also home to animals like the Panther, Hyena, Jackal, Indian Fox, Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, Small Indian Civet, Blue Bull, Chinkara, Black Buck, Chausingha, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, etc.

Source: HANS