Gandhinagar, Jan 23 (IANS) Gujarat's Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia said on Friday that the state government has stepped up preparations for tiger conservation after the presence of a tiger was reported in the Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary and adjoining areas during the latest wildlife population census.

Describing the development as a "matter of pride" for the state, the Minister said a comprehensive plan had been drawn up to ensure the animal's long-term protection, habitat security and growth in numbers.

Briefing the media after a meeting of the Gujarat State Wildlife Board chaired by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Minister Modhwadia said the state was committed to wildlife conservation and maintaining ecological balance.

"The Forest Department is fully prepared for the conservation and protection of the tiger, with a clear focus on its safety, food availability and suitable habitat," he added.

He said the State Forest Department was in continuous coordination with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and would strictly implement all guidelines and measures suggested by the apex body in the coming period.

"Along with protection, special emphasis is being placed on strengthening the prey base and improving habitat capacity so that conditions remain conducive for the tiger's permanent stay," Minister Modhwadia added.

As part of the conservation strategy, the Minister said community participation would play a key role.

"With NTCA's participation, training programmes on tiger conservation and care would be organised for local residents living around the sanctuary area."

The aim, Minister Modhwadia said, was to build awareness and ensure cooperation from communities that share landscapes with wildlife.

The meeting also reviewed the development and protection of other key wildlife centres in the state, including lion sanctuaries, bird sanctuaries, the Indian wild ass sanctuary and sloth bear habitats.

"Chief Minister Patel had also directed the Forest Department to promote eco-tourism in protected forest areas while ensuring that increased tourist footfall did not disturb wildlife. In this regard, visitor policy guidelines would be prepared to regulate movement and activities within sensitive zones," the Minister noted.

The board further discussed plans to identify suitable sanctuary sites in the near future for Gujarat's growing leopard population, including rescued leopards, to ensure their safety and reduce human-animal conflict.

The sighting of the tiger in eastern Gujarat has drawn attention because the species had disappeared from the state decades ago due to habitat loss and hunting pressures.

While Gujarat is globally known for the successful conservation of Asiatic lions in Gir, tigers historically ranged across parts of the Aravalli and eastern forest belts.

Occasional dispersal from neighbouring states has been reported in recent years, but the latest confirmation in Ratanmahal has renewed focus on creating conditions that could support a sustained tiger presence.

--IANS

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