Bor Tiger Reserve UPSC

The Bor Tiger Reserve, also known as the Bor Wildlife Sanctuary, is a protected area located in the state of Maharashtra, India. It is situated in the valley of the Wardha river.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
Tiger Corridor
River
Lake
Flora
Fauna

Mammals
Birds
Reptile

UPSC Questions

Bor Tiger Reserve Location

Bor Tiger Reserve is located in the Wardha district of Maharashtra, India. It is situated approximately 60 kilometers north of Nagpur.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Bor Tiger Reserve is Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur. It is the main airport serving the region, and it is located approximately 60 kilometers south of the reserve.

Nearest Railway Station:

As for the nearest railway station, the closest one to Bor Tiger Reserve is Wardha Junction. Wardha Junction is a major railway station in Wardha district, Maharashtra, and it is situated approximately 35 kilometers southwest of the reserve.

Bor Tiger Reserve History

The history of the Bor Tiger Reserve dates back to its establishment as a wildlife sanctuary. Here's an overview of its history:

1. Wildlife Sanctuary: Bor Wildlife Sanctuary was initially established in 1970 under the Wildlife Protection Act of India. The sanctuary was created with the objective of preserving the natural habitat and biodiversity of the area.

2. Tiger Reserve: In 2014, the Bor Wildlife Sanctuary was upgraded to the status of a tiger reserve. This decision was made to provide additional protection to the tiger population and their habitat within the sanctuary.

Note- Bor Tiger Reserve is the 6th tiger reserve in Maharashtra and the 47th in the country.

Bor Tiger Reserve Area

The Bor Tiger Reserve covers an approximate area of 138 square kilometers, which includes the Bor Wildlife Sanctuary, the New Bor Wildlife Sanctuary, and an additional 16 sq km area. It is the smallest tiger reserves in the country.

Tiger Corridor

The Bor Tiger Reserve is strategically located between the Pench Tiger Reserve and the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in the Nagpur and Chandrapur districts of Maharashtra, respectively. This region acts as a crucial tiger corridor connecting these two tiger reserves.

A tiger corridor is a stretch of habitat that allows tigers and other wildlife to move between different protected areas. It plays a vital role in maintaining genetic diversity and promoting the long-term survival of the tiger population.

Unfortunately, the corridor between Pench and Tadoba-Andhari has become fragmented due to various factors such as infrastructure development, human settlements, and agricultural activities.

Bor Tiger Reserve River

The Bor Tiger Reserve is traversed by the Bor River, which plays a significant role in the ecology and biodiversity of the reserve. The Bor River is a tributary of the Wardha River, which itself is a major river in the state of Maharashtra, India.

Bor Tiger Reserve Lake

The Bor Tiger Reserve features a prominent lake known as Bor Dam or Bor Tiger Lake. It is an artificial lake formed by the construction of the Bor Dam on the Bor River. The dam was built for irrigation purposes and to provide a water source for nearby agricultural lands.

The Bor Tiger Lake serves as an important water body within the reserve, attracting a variety of wildlife and supporting their needs. It provides a habitat for aquatic species and is a watering hole for animals in the surrounding areas.

Bor Tiger Reserve Flora

In the Bor Tiger Reserve, located in the South Deccan Plateau dry deciduous forests ecoregion, there is a diverse range of flora. Some of the main species of trees found in the sanctuary include:

Teak (Tectona grandis): Teak is a valuable timber tree known for its durable wood.

Ain (Terminalia elliptica): Ain is a deciduous tree that is commonly found in dry deciduous forests.

Tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon): Tendu, also known as East Indian ebony, is a medium-sized tree with dark-colored timber.

Bamboo: Various species of bamboo are found in the Bor Tiger Reserve. Bamboo is known for its rapid growth and versatility.

In addition to trees, there are several herbaceous plants and shrubs present in the sanctuary. Some of the main herb species found in the Bor Tiger Reserve include:

Tarot (Colocasia esculenta): Tarot is a perennial herbaceous plant known for its large leaves and edible tubers.

Tenella (Bauhinia vahlii): Tenella is a flowering shrub with showy, pink flowers.

Tarwar (Cassia auriculata): Tarwar, also known as Tanner's Cassia, is a shrub with yellow flowers that has medicinal properties.

Gokhru (Tribulus terrestris): Gokhru is a small herb with spiny fruit and is used in traditional medicine.

Wight (bracteata): Wight, also known as Wight's bracteata, is a herbaceous plant found in dry regions.

Vanbhendi (Vernonia cinerea): Vanbhendi is a medicinal herb with purple flowers.

Velatri: Velatri is a local name for the herb Pergularia daemia, which has medicinal properties.

Waghori: Waghori, also known as Desmodium heterophyllum, is a herbaceous plant commonly found in forested areas.

Bor Tiger Reserve Fauna (Bor Tiger Reserve Animals)

The Bor Tiger Reserve is home to a diverse range of wildlife species, including several iconic and endangered animals. Here are some of the notable fauna found in the reserve:

Mammals:

Bengal Tiger
Indian leopard
Sloth Bear
Wild Dog
Indian Bison
Blue Bull
Chital
Sambar Deer
Barking Deer
Mouse Deer
Monkey
Wild Boar

Birds:

Indian Peafowl
Indian Grey Hornbill
Indian Pitta
White-rumped Vulture
Painted Stork
Indian Roller
Grey-headed Fish Eagle
Black-headed Oriole
Jungle Owlet

Reptiles:

Indian Cobra
Russell’s Viper
Indian Rock Python
Indian Rat Snake
Chequered Keelback
Monitor Lizard