Lone tiger completes one-year keep in Gujarat | Ahmedabad Information
Gujarat had successfully been thought-about with out tigers after the 1989 census, which relied largely on pug mark proof. In 1992, within the absence of photographic proof, the state was excluded from subsequent nationwide tiger estimations and labeled as a non-tiger state.A short reappearance in Mahisagar district in Feb 2019 had sparked optimism, however that tiger died inside a fortnight, reportedly as a result of hunger.Then, a lone tiger entered Gujarat on Feb 22, 2025. And after three a long time, Gujarat formally regained its tiger-bearing standing as of Dec 2025. The present tiger established a territory that regularly expanded from about 120 sq km to just about 150 sq km in japanese Gujarat.Inspired by this improvement, the Gujarat forest division stepped up conservation measures. Chief Conservator of Forests Sandeep Kumar mentioned habitat enchancment, water administration and prey augmentation works had been carried out throughout the tiger’s territory. Ungulates had been launched to bolster prey density, and devoted funds had been allotted for ecological restoration.Kumar mentioned the division is now centered on institutional preparedness. “We’re within the technique of forming a devoted rescue and rehabilitation staff. Cages and gear are being procured to make sure swift response in case of emergency,” he mentioned. Round 100 high-tech digital camera traps had been ordered and can quickly be put in to strengthen monitoring and collect photographic proof.”Officers mentioned the rescue staff was shaped to make sure that, if the tiger wanted to be rescued, professional manpower was prepared with gear to make sure that no main casualty happened.The officers mentioned that the current developments added a brand new layer of intrigue. Forest workers reported scratch markings in each a part of the 150 sq km territory — a behaviour related to scent marking and territorial assertion. Curiously, such markings weren’t noticed earlier.“We additionally famous variations in pug marks, elevating suspicion of a doable second tiger getting into the panorama. Nevertheless, there was no visible affirmation to date. The scratch marking is a major behavioural change. It may point out both territorial consolidation by the resident tiger or doable contemporary intrusion,” an officer mentioned. Surveillance was intensified to find out whether or not Gujarat might quickly host multiple tiger.Forest officers mentioned the tiger proved to be a strictly wild hunter inside its one-year keep within the space. Scat evaluation by analysis groups confirmed the tiger’s major prey to be barking deer, with traces of nilgai and wild boar. Officers mentioned there was no proof of livestock predation. The animal has largely remained inside forested zones and prevented human settlements, lowering the chance of battle.Gujarat is already the one residence of the Asiatic lion, present in Gir Nationwide Park, and helps a sturdy leopard inhabitants. With the tiger’s return, the state now aspires to maintain the Bengal tiger, the Asiatic lion and the Indian leopard collectively — a uncommon conservation distinction.Senior forest officers believed that if habitat connectivity, prey density, and safety efforts continued to enhance, Gujarat may see a gradual enhance in tiger presence within the coming years. For now, the tiger’s one-year keep stands as each a symbolic comeback and a sensible basis for restoring Gujarat’s place on India’s tiger map.