Dahod: In a major positive development for Gujarat’s wildlife, a tiger has been spotted living in the forest region of Dahod district, a news report in a vernacular daily said.

The young male tiger, estimated to be around five to six months old, has been residing in the jungles of Devgadh Baria for the past four months, according to forest officials. The tiger is reported to be in good health and is freely roaming in the dense forest area.

Officials have urged locals not to panic as the tiger has so far caused no harm to human settlements and has remained within the forest. The presence of tiger-like pugmarks was first noticed about four months ago. Subsequently, trap cameras were installed, and the animal’s identity as a tiger was confirmed. Since then, the forest department has kept the tiger under 24-hour surveillance, ensuring it has access to sufficient food and water in the vicinity.

It is learnt that the tiger may have migrated from the forest areas between Indore and Jhabua in Madhya Pradesh. While authorities are maintaining strict confidentiality on the matter, internal reports suggest this could be the first confirmed tiger presence in Gujarat after many years.

Historically, tigers were known to roam the tribal forest belt from Valsad to Ambaji. Earlier, a tiger was sighted in 2019 in Mahisagar district. DeshGujarat