Geography & BiodiversityImportant2024-12-02

Ratapani Notified as MP's 8th Tiger Reserve

In News

What Happened

On December 2, 2024, the Madhya Pradesh government officially notified the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary as the state's 8th Tiger Reserve. The reserve spans across the Raisen and Sehore districts and notably encompasses the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bhimbetka Rock Shelters. This notification formalizes its protected status after a 16-year delay since receiving initial approval.

Why It Matters

This elevation ensures enhanced funding from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) for wildlife conservation. It also allows for stricter habitat management and better protection for the existing tiger population within this crucial Central Indian landscape corridor.

Background

History & Context

Ratapani received in-principle approval from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to become a tiger reserve back in 2008. However, the final notification was delayed for 16 years due to administrative hurdles, industrial lobbying, and concerns over the displacement of local communities. Pressure mounted in recent years due to a growing tiger population in the sanctuary, necessitating formalized protection measures and defined core areas.

What Changed

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BEFORE: Ratapani operated solely as a Wildlife Sanctuary with limited central funding. NOW: It is an officially designated Tiger Reserve eligible for dedicated funding and resources under Project Tiger.
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BEFORE: The sanctuary lacked legally delineated core and buffer zones for exclusive tiger conservation. NOW: The area is demarcated into strict inviolate core zones and regulated buffer zones to balance wildlife needs and human activities.
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BEFORE: Habitat management was handled entirely by state resources with standard wildlife protection laws. NOW: Management will align with NTCA guidelines, ensuring stricter anti-poaching measures and specialized habitat interventions.

Prelims Angle

NCERT Connection

This event directly applies concepts from NCERT Class 10 Geography Chapter 2 - Forest and Wildlife Resources, which discusses the conservation of forest and wildlife in India. The notification of Ratapani exemplifies the implementation of Project Tiger and the transition of protected areas to higher conservation statuses involving core and buffer zone management.

Practice Questions

Q1

With Reference To

With reference to the newly notified Ratapani Tiger Reserve, consider the following statements: 1. It is the 8th Tiger Reserve of Madhya Pradesh. 2. It encompasses the UNESCO World Heritage site of Khajuraho Group of Monuments. 3. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) gave in-principle approval for this reserve in 2008. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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