Gujarat has officially regained its ‘Tiger State’ status after more than three decades, following confirmation from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) of a resident tiger in Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary, Dahod district. This milestone transforms Gujarat into the only Indian state where tigers, leopards, and Asiatic lions coexist in the wild.
The breakthrough began in February 2025 when a young male tiger entered Gujarat from Madhya Pradesh. Instead of moving on, the tiger settled in the sanctuary, with camera traps, repeated sightings, and consistent movement patterns confirming its permanent presence. The NTCA’s subsequent habitat assessment affirmed that the region can sustain a tiger population, laying the groundwork for potential future conservation and breeding initiatives.
In response, Gujarat intensified wildlife protection measures, including enhancing water sources, securing habitats, reinforcing fire-prevention systems, and maintaining a robust prey base. Species such as sambar, chital, wild boar, and nilgai were introduced or protected to support the tiger’s ecosystem.
Officials are also exploring long-term strategies, including introducing female tigers to establish a sustainable population and eventually designating Ratanmahal as a formal Tiger Reserve. The development marks a historic ecological turnaround for Gujarat, highlighting the state’s growing significance in wildlife conservation and biodiversity preservation in India.
