Why in news?
In January 2026, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister announced the reserve will be named after archaeologist Dr. Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar, honoring his discovery of the Bhimbetka rock shelters UNESCO site nearby, to blend cultural heritage with conservation.​
About Ratapani Tiger Reserve
Ratapani Tiger Reserve is Madhya Pradesh’s 8th and India’s 57th tiger reserve, located near Bhopal in Raisen and Sehore districts. It covers about 1,271 sq. km in the Vindhya ranges and was officially declared a tiger reserve in 2024.
Key facts
- Location: Raisen & Sehore districts, Madhya Pradesh, close to Bhopal.
- Area: ~1,271 sq. km, spread across Vindhya hills.
- Boundaries: Runs parallel to the northern side of the Narmada River; Kolar River forms the western boundary.
- History:
- Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1976.
- Upgraded to tiger reserve in 2024, making it MP’s 8th tiger reserve.
Flora & Fauna
- Fauna:
- Tigers (main attraction, including “city tigers” occasionally seen near Bhopal’s outskirts).
- Leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, hyenas, and herbivores like chital, sambar, and nilgai.
- Birdlife: Rich avifauna, making it a hotspot for birdwatchers.
- Flora: Dry deciduous forests with teak, sal, and mixed vegetation typical of Vindhya ranges.
Challenges & Conservation
- Urban Pressure: Expansion of Bhopal and human activity near reserve boundaries.
- Conservation Needs: Strict monitoring of tiger corridors, minimizing human-wildlife conflict, and eco-tourism regulation.
- Positive Step: Its designation as a tiger reserve strengthens Madhya Pradesh’s role as India’s “Tiger State.”
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