Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary

About Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Location: Situated in Raisen and Sehore districts of Madhya Pradesh, it spreads over 825.90 sq km.
• This rocky forest with aquatic environment is spread on the Vindhya Hills.
• It runs parallel on the northern side of the Narmada River. The Kolar River forms the western boundary of the Sanctuary. 
• The sanctuary has Bhimbetka,a group of rock shelters and rock paintings, which is one of the '' World Heritage Site '' declared by UNESCO.
• It also encompasses many other historical and religious destinations like Ginnourgarh Fort, POW camp, Keri Mahadeo, Ratapani dam, Jholiyapur dam, etc.
• Landscape: It is rugged with hills, valleys, plateaus, and plains.
• Flora: 
  • The forest of this Sanctuary is of dry deciduous and moist deciduous
  • About 55% of the area is covered by teak. The remaining mixed forests consist of various dry deciduous species.
• Fauna: 
  • The regal striped cat is the apex predator, and estimates suggest that 40 tigers roam these forests. 
  • Chinkara, an endangered species, is also found in the Sanctuary. 
  • 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.