Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary

26-08-2023

01:11 PM

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1 min read
Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary Blog Image

Overview:

The Madhya Pradesh State Wildlife Board has accorded approval to declare Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary, on the outskirts of Bhopal, as the eighth tiger reserve of MP.

About Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary:

  • It stretches across 823 sq. km in the Raisen and Sehore districts of Madhya Pradesh.
  • 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 was first notified in 1976 and then extended in 1983. In 2008, it was declared as a Tiger Reserve. 
  • The Sanctuary has Bhimbetika, "a group of rock shelters and rock paintings", which is one of the '' World Heritage Site '' declared by UNESCO.
  • 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 World Heritage Site (WHS)?

A World Heritage Site (WHS) is a landmark or area with legal protection by an international convention administered by the UNESCO under the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, established in 1972. These sites are designated by UNESCO for having cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance.

Source: Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary May Become 8th Tiger Reserve of MP, 1st One With Proximity to State Capital