Gujarat declared ‘Tiger State’ after 33 years, now India’s only state with lion, leopard, and tiger

Gujarat has been officially declared a ‘Tiger State’ by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), marking the return of tigers to the state after a gap of nearly 33 years. With this recognition, Gujarat has become the only state in India where lions, leopards and tigers coexist in their natural habitats.

The announcement adds a significant chapter to Gujarat’s wildlife history, as the state was earlier known globally primarily as the home of the Asiatic lion. The confirmed presence of a tiger has now expanded Gujarat’s identity in wildlife conservation.

Ratanmahal emerges as new tiger habitat

The declaration follows sustained evidence of a male tiger’s presence in the Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary in Dahod district. According to forest department sources, the tiger has been repeatedly captured on trap cameras over the past 10 months, indicating that it has established a stable territory in the area. Based on these findings, the NTCA accorded Gujarat the status of a Tiger State.

Move to notify tiger reserve underway

Following the NTCA’s decision, the Gujarat Forest Department is preparing to initiate the process of declaring Ratanmahal as a formal Tiger Reserve. As part of future conservation plans, the state is also considering bringing female tigers from other states to support breeding and population growth.

Officials said efforts will be made to strengthen the ecosystem by increasing the population of herbivores to ensure adequate prey availability. Special protection forces and advanced monitoring systems are also proposed to enhance tiger conservation and surveillance in the region.

Boost for conservation and eco-tourism

Wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists have welcomed the development, noting that the Tiger State tag is expected to boost eco-tourism and create new livelihood opportunities for local communities.