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India's commitment to tiger conservation received a major boost with the official notification of Ratapani Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh as the country's 57th tiger reserve. Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, announced the milestone in a post on the social media platform 'X' on Tuesday, emphasizing the nation's continued efforts to protect its wildlife.

“Caring for conservation! We continue to make great strides in conserving our tigers," Yadav wrote. "India has added its 57th tiger reserve, with Ratapani Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh joining the list.” He highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of balancing wildlife protection with economic progress, noting that India, known for its love of nature, provides an ideal habitat for tigers.

A Key Addition to Madhya Pradesh's Conservation Efforts

Ratapani Tiger Reserve, located in the forests of the Bhopal Sehore region, spans a total area of 1,271.4 square kilometers, including a core area of 763.8 square kilometers and a buffer zone of 507.6 square kilometers. It becomes the eighth tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh, a state that is already home to several of India’s most renowned wildlife sanctuaries.

This new reserve is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening wildlife management in the region, with a focus on habitat protection, wildlife monitoring, and anti-poaching efforts. The reserve will also promote ecotourism and community engagement, providing economic benefits to local communities while fostering conservation awareness.