Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary Situated in the Dahod district of Central Gujarat, this wildlife reserve is a shelter for Sloth Bears. Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary This forest is covered with dry teak trees at the foothills as well as dry bamboo brakes in the periphery. The actual habitat of the Sloth bear, therefore, extends into Madhya Pradesh. The pristine beauty of forests in this small tract with rugged topography gives the feel of a hill station to wildlife enthusiasts.
Ratanmahal Sloth Bear SanctuaryThe forests of Ratanmahals form the catchment of the river Panam- a major river of Central Gujarat. https://wildstreakofnature.com/gu/ratanmahal-sloth-bear-sanctuary/It drains through the districts of Dahod and Panchmahals. These are major towns on the banks of this river. An irrigation dam and reservoir are also built on this river near Godhra. Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary These forests, therefore, have a great ecological significance for water conservation.
Ratanmahal Sloth Bear SanctuaryThe forest types that constitute different types of habitats are dry teak forest at foothills and in the periphery of the P A, mixed deciduous forest, dry bamboo brakes, ‘Timru’ forest (pure patch), and ‘Sadad’ forest (pure patch). The high population of ‘Mahudo’ trees intermixed with pure patches of ‘Sadad’ and ‘Timru’ forest on plateaus of the hills, at foothills, in plains on the periphery of PA provide food to sloth bear. The tree cover is very good. There are also quite a good number of ‘Jamun’ trees, which provide food to sloth bears during monsoon.
Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary is also inhabited by jackals, leopards, striped hyena, four-horned antelope, mongoose, porcupine, civet cat, jungle cat, hanuman langur, cobra, krait, saw-scaled viper. You can also spot non-venomous snakes like Russel’s viper and Bamboo pit viper. Python, Rat snake, Red sand boa here. For learning the habits and behavior of the sloth bear, this sanctuary offers a unique opportunity as they are densely populated here. The sanctuary also has a large population of leopards.
The best time to visit Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary is between October and May.
