Why in news

• A young male tiger has settled permanently in the sanctuary for nine months, marking Gujarat's longest tiger presence in modern history.​
• Gujarat now becomes one of the few Indian states hosting lions, leopards, and tigers together within its natural landscape, emphasizing ecological success.​

About Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location and Size: It is situated in Dahod district of Gujarat, covering approximately 55 to 80 square kilometers, at the Gujarat-Madhya Pradesh border, with rugged, hilly terrain and mixed deciduous forests.​
• Flora: The sanctuary features dry teak forests, mixed deciduous forests, dry bamboo brakes, and patches of timru and sadad trees, alongside Mahuda and Jamun trees, which serve as primary food sources for wildlife, especially sloth bears.​
• Fauna: It is home to a significant sloth bear population, along with leopards, striped hyenas, four-horned antelopes, jungle cats, hyenas, and recently, sightings of tigers, making it a rich biodiversity hotspot.​
• Ecological Significance: The sanctuary forms the catchment area for the Panam River, playing a crucial role in water conservation and regional ecology.​
• Dahod Ratanmahal wildlife Sanctuary, established in 1982, is renowned for harboring the largest population of sloth bears in Gujarat 

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