In a landmark achievement for wildlife conservation, Gujarat has officially regained its coveted 'Tiger State' status after a gap of 33 years. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has confirmed the presence of a tiger in the Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary in central Gujarat, leading to the state's inclusion in the national Tiger Census once again.
A Long-Awaited Return Confirmed
Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia made the official announcement on Friday, December 26, 2025, calling it a "proud moment for Gujarat." The breakthrough came after forest officials detected tell-tale pugmarks of a tiger on February 23 this year in the Pipalgota Round of the Kanjeta Range within the sanctuary. This visual evidence was soon backed by irrefutable camera trap data, which captured an image of the big cat on February 22 at 2:40 am.
Following these crucial findings, the state authorities promptly informed the NTCA. "A team of the NTCA carried out a study in Gujarat and confirmed the presence of a tiger in Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary in its primary report," Minister Modhwadia stated. This confirmation paved the way for Gujarat's re-entry into the national Tiger Census, alongside NTCA recommendations to strengthen the local ecosystem for tiger habitation. The minister noted that while the primary report is positive, the Gujarat Forest Department is still awaiting formal, authorised communication from the NTCA.
Conservation Efforts Swing Into Action
With the tiger's presence confirmed, the state forest department has immediately initiated measures to secure and improve its habitat. The area is under constant surveillance, and steps are being taken to ensure ample availability of water and a robust prey base, which includes wild boars, blue bulls, and monkeys. The number of camera traps has been increased for better monitoring, and efforts to augment prey species are underway.
Antelopes and spotted deer were released in the area during the monsoon to further bolster the food chain. Looking to the future, the department is planning to train its officials in advanced tiger conservation and breeding techniques. In a significant move to establish a breeding population, attempts are being made to bring a female tiger to the region. A major goal is to secure the declaration of Ratanmahal Sanctuary as a Tiger Reserve.
A Historic Triumph for Gujarat's Wildlife
This development marks a dramatic turnaround in Gujarat's tiger history. Minister Modhwadia recounted that tigers were once abundant in the state but gradually went extinct. The last tiger census to include Gujarat was in 1989, when only pugmarks were found. By the 1992 census, the state was excluded and lost its 'Tiger State' tag. A brief sighting in Mahisagar district in 2019 offered hope, but that tiger survived for only 15 days.
The confirmed return of a resident tiger now places Gujarat in a unique position in India's wildlife landscape. Gujarat has become the only state in the country to simultaneously host three major big cat species: the Asiatic lion, the tiger, and the leopard. Minister Modhwadia attributed this ecological success to sustained forest conservation work under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
The reinstatement of the 'Tiger State' status after more than three decades is not just a bureaucratic milestone but a testament to persistent conservation efforts and a beacon of hope for India's ambitious wildlife protection goals.
