Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary

Madhya Pradesh wildlife department has raised significant concerns regarding the construction of a railway line project inside Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS). Since 2015, there have been 14 leopards, 7 tigers and one bear fatalities on the tracks.

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Context

The Madhya Pradesh wildlife department has raised significant concerns regarding the construction of a railway line project inside Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS). Since 2015, there have been 14 leopards, 7 tigers and one bear fatalities on the tracks.

About Ratapani WLS

Location: It is situated in the Vindhyachal Mountain Ranges of Madhya Pradesh. (Raisen and Sehore districts). Located close to Bhopal (30km).
Rivers: It lies parallel to the northern side of the Narmada River, with the Kolar River forming its western boundary.
The sanctuary houses Bhimbetka rock shelters, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for ancient rock paintings.
Biodiversity:
- Fauna: Tigers, leopards, sloth bears, hyenas, spotted deer, sambar deer etc.
- Flora: Dry and moist deciduous forests. About 55% of the area is covered by teak.
It is not a Tiger Reserve. However, NTCA has given in-principle approval to notify it as a Tiger Reserve.