About Ratapani Tiger Reserve:
- It is situated in the Raisen and Sehore districts of Madhya Pradesh.
- This forest is spread over hills of the Vindhya ranges.
- It runs parallel on the northern side of the Narmada River. The Kolar River forms the western boundary of the reserve.
- Two large reservoirs, namely Barna Reservoir and Ratapani Dam (Barrusot Lake) are among the major water bodies adjacent to or inside the reserve.
- The landscape is undulating, with hills, plateaus, valleys, and plains.
- The reserve has Bhimbetka, a group of rock shelters and rock paintings, which is one of the ” World Heritage Sites ” declared by UNESCO.
- It also encompasses many other historical and religious destinations like Ginnourgarh Fort, POW camp, Keri Mahadeo, Ratapani Dam, Jholiyapur Dam, etc.
- Flora: The forest of Ratapani is a dry deciduous and moist deciduous type, with teak (Tectona grandis) as the main tree species.
- Fauna:
- The regal striped cat is the apex predator.
- Chinkara, an endangered species, is also found in the reserve.
- It is also home to animals like the Panther, Hyena, Jackal, Indian Fox, Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, Small Indian Civet, Blue Bull, Chinkara, Black Buck, Chausingha, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, etc.
