Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary

About Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Location: Situated in Raisen and Sehore districts of Madhya Pradesh, it spreads over 825.90 sq km.
• This rocky forest with aquatic environment is spread on the Vindhya Hills.
• It runs parallel on the northern side of the Narmada River. The Kolar River forms the western boundary of the Sanctuary. 
• The Sanctuary has Bhimbetka, a group of rock shelters and rock paintings, which is one of the ” World Heritage Site ” declared by UNESCO.
• It also encompasses many other historical and religious destinations like Ginnourgarh Fort, POW camp, Keri Mahadeo, Ratapani dam, Jholiyapur dam, etc.
• Landscape: It is rugged with hills, valleys, plateaus, and plains.
• Flora: 
  • The forest of this Sanctuary is of dry deciduous and moist deciduous types.
  • About 55% of the area is covered by teak. The remaining mixed forests consist of various dry deciduous species.
• 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 Sanctuary. 
  • 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.

Q1: What is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

World Heritage Sites are cultural and/or natural sites considered to be of ‘Outstanding Universal Value’, which have been inscribed on the World Heritage List by the World Heritage Committee. World Heritage Committee is a committee of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).The Committee is responsible for the implementation of the World Heritage Convention, defines the use of the World Heritage Fund, and allocates financial assistance upon requests from States Parties.

Source: Ratapani Sanctuary Seeks Tiger Reserve Status; Residents Of Two Villages Agree For Evacuation

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