Achanakmar Tiger Reserve UPSC

Achanakmar Tiger Reserve is a wildlife sanctuary and tiger reserve located in Chhattisgarh, India. It is a part of the larger Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve, which includes the adjoining Amarkantak plateau.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
Hills
River
Flora
Fauna

Mammals
Birds
Reptiles

UPSC Questions

Achanakmar Tiger Reserve Location

The Achanakmar Tiger Reserve is located in Mungeli district of Chhattisgarh, India. It is situated in the eastern part of the state, near the border with Madhya Pradesh. It is nestled amidst the Maikal mountain range.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Achanakmar Tiger Reserve is the Swami Vivekananda Airport (formerly known as Raipur Airport). It is located in Raipur, the capital city of Chhattisgarh, and is approximately 211 kilometers (131 miles) away from the tiger reserve.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Achanakmar Tiger Reserve is Bilaspur Junction Railway Station. The railway station is approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) away from the tiger reserve.

Achanakmar Tiger Reserve History

The history of Achanakmar Tiger Reserve dates back to the early 20th century when it was initially established as a forest reserve. The area was recognized for its ecological importance and the need for conserving its rich biodiversity. Over time, it underwent various stages of development and eventually became a tiger reserve.

1. Wildlife Sanctuary: In 1975, Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary was established, under the provisions of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.

2. Biosphere Reserve: In 2005, Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve was created by Government of India. This biosphere reserve includes Achanakmar Tiger Reserve and the adjacent Amarkantak plateau. The establishment of Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve further enhanced the conservation efforts in the area.

3. Tiger Reserve Status: In 2009, Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary declared as a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger.

4. UNESCO Biosphere Reserve: Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve was recognized by UNESCO in 2012 for its biological diversity and cultural significance.

Achanakmar Tiger Reserve Area

Achanakmar Tiger Reserve spans an area of approximately 553.286 square kilometers (213.534 square miles).

Corridor

Achanakmar Tiger Reserve serves as an important corridor connecting the Kanha Tiger Reserve and the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. This corridor plays a crucial role in facilitating the movement and dispersal of wildlife, including tigers, between these reserves.

Achanakmar Tiger Reserve Hills

Achanakmar Tiger Reserve is located amidst the Maikal mountain range. The hills in and around Achanakmar Tiger Reserve provide diverse habitats for a variety of wildlife species.

Achanakmar Tiger Reserve River

The Maniyari River is a significant river that passes through the Achanakmar Tiger Reserve. The river originates in the nearby regions and meanders through the reserve, providing water to the surrounding vegetation and wildlife.

Achanakmar Tiger Reserve Flora

The Achanakmar Tiger Reserve boasts a diverse and lush flora, thanks to its varied habitats, including forests, hills, valleys, and rivers. The reserve is known for its rich vegetation, consisting of both deciduous and evergreen forests.

Here are some of the prominent flora species found in the Achanakmar Tiger Reserve:

Sal (Shorea robusta): Sal is one of the dominant tree species in the region, forming extensive sal forests.

Teak (Tectona grandis): Teak is another important tree species found in the reserve.

Bamboo: Several species of bamboo, including Dendrocalamus strictus and Bambusa arundinacea, can be found in the Achanakmar Tiger Reserve.

Mahua (Madhuca longifolia): Mahua is a common tree species in the region and has cultural significance for local communities. Its flowers are used to produce edible oil and traditional alcoholic beverages.

Terminalia species: Terminalia trees, such as Terminalia arjuna and Terminalia chebula, are found in the reserve. These trees have medicinal properties and are used in traditional herbal remedies.

Other tree species: Other notable tree species found in the reserve include Semal (Bombax ceiba), Harra (Terminalia chebula), Jamun (Syzygium cumini), and Amaltas (Cassia fistula).

Achanakmar Tiger Reserve Fauna (Achanakmar Tiger Reserve Animals)

Achanakmar Tiger Reserve is home to a rich variety of fauna, including several mammal, bird, reptile, and amphibian species. The diverse habitats within the reserve support a thriving wildlife population.

Here are some notable fauna species found in the reserve:

Mammals:

Bengal Tiger
Indian Leopard
Gaur
Striped Hyena
Indian Jackal
Sloth Bear
Ussuri Dhole
Nilgai
Chital
Sambar
Four-horned Antelope
Chinkara
Blackbuck
Indian Muntjac
Wild Boar

Birds:

Indian Peafowl
Indian Pitta
Indian Grey Hornbill
Malabar Pied Hornbill
Asian Paradise Flycatcher
Crested Serpent Eagle
Yellow-footed Green Pigeon
Common Kingfisher
Red Junglefowl
Alexandrine Parakeet

Reptiles:

Indian Rock Python
Common Krait
Indian Cobra
Checkered Keelback
Monitor Lizard
Indian Chameleon
Fan-throated Lizard
Indian Skink