Declared extinct decades ago, a tiger returns to ‘new home’ – in Gujarat forest

As the ‘Project Cheetah’ is underway, the state is preparing Banni Grasslands in Kutch-Asia’s largest grasslands to host a cheetah breeding and conservation centre. A 600-hectare enclosure is being developed jointly funded by the Centre and the Gujarat government.

Government officials said the tiger has marked territory in Gujarat-first since the 1980s. “There was once a large presence of tigers in Gujarat, but over time, the tiger species became extinct in the state. However, it is a matter of joy for us as the tiger has made Gujarat its new home. We have informed the National Tiger Conservation Authority,” Arjun Modhwadia, Cabinet Minister for Forests and Environment, told The Indian Express.

Images of the tiger that is now in Gujarat was first captured in the trap cameras of the forest department on February 23 this year.

In May, The Indian Express reported that a tiger was spotted in the Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary.

“In the morning of February 23,2025, the forest staff of Pipalgota Round, Kangeta Range observed the movement of wild animals. During regular patrolling, large footprints were noticed. Since these footprints are larger than those of a leopard, an analysis of pictures taken by the trap camera installed in the area was conducted. On February 22, around 2:40 am, a picture of a tiger was captured. Hence, the large footprints seen later in the morning were confirmed to be those of a tiger,” Minister Arjun Modhwadia said.

He added that ever since the presence of the tiger was recorded, the area is being constantly monitored to ensure water availability, security, fire prevention and necessary steps – such as availability of prey – have also been taken.

“The number of camera traps has also been increased in the area. There is presence of wild boars, nilgai and monkeys in the area and if necessary, predatory animals are available. The number has increased. Apart from this, sambar and cheetal are also released here during the monsoon. Pictures confirming the presence of the tiger are being captured in the trap camera. Its movement was under our surveillance. The visuals and monitoring confirms that the tiger is healthy,” he added.

Gujarat, under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership and CM Bhupendra Patel’s guidance, has effectively taken measures in forest conservation, examples of which are the settlement of tiger and a growth in the lion population.