Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve UPSC (Largest Tiger Reserve in India UPSC)
Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve is a tiger reserve located in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It is the largest tiger reserves in India and covers an area of about 5,937 square kilometers.
The reserve is named after the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, which is situated on the Krishna River, and the Srisailam Dam, which is located on the Krishna River as well. These two dams form the boundaries of the tiger reserve, with the Krishna River flowing through the middle.
The Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve was established in 1983 with the aim of protecting the wildlife, particularly the Bengal tiger population in the region. It is recognized as a Project Tiger reserve, which is a conservation program launched by the Government of India to protect tigers and their habitats.
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Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve Location
The Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve is spread over multiple districts in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The reserve covers parts of the following districts:
- Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh
- Prakasam district in Andhra Pradesh
- Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh
- Nalgonda district in Telangana
- Mahbubnagar district in Telangana
The nearest major cities to the Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve are Hyderabad (the capital of Telangana) and Vijayawada (in Andhra Pradesh). Hyderabad is approximately 150 kilometers north of the reserve, while Vijayawada is around 200 kilometers east.
Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to the Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, located in Hyderabad, Telangana. It is the primary international airport serving the region and is well-connected to major cities in India and various international destinations. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use other modes of transportation to reach the tiger reserve, which is approximately 150 kilometers away.
Nearest Railway Station:
As for the nearest railway station, the Macherla railway station is the closest one to the tiger reserve. It is situated in Macherla town, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh. However, please note that Macherla is a smaller railway station, and not all trains may stop there. The alternative option is the Nalgonda railway station, located in Nalgonda district, Telangana. It is relatively larger and more well-connected, and from there, you can travel to the tiger reserve by road, which is approximately 120 kilometers away.
Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve History
1. Notified as a Protected Area: In 1978, Nagarjunasagar Srisailam was notified as a wildlife sanctuary.
2. Tiger Reserve Status: In 1983, it was declared a tiger reserve under the Project Tiger program, which is aimed at conserving and protecting the Bengal tiger and its habitats in India.
3. Renamed: In 1992, the reserve was renamed as the Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary. The renaming was done in honor of the former Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi, who played a significant role in wildlife conservation and environmental initiatives in the country.
Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve Area
Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve is the largest tiger reserve in India. It is spread over an area of 5937 Sq. km. This includes both the core or critical tiger habitat and the buffer or peripheral area. Here is the breakdown of the area:
- Core/ Critical Tiger Habitat : 3721 Sq. Km.
- Buffer / Peripheral area : 2216 Sq. Km.
- Total : 5937 Sq. km.
The core or critical tiger habitat is the primary area where the tiger population resides and is given the highest level of protection. The buffer or peripheral area surrounds the core habitat and acts as a transitional zone with a lesser degree of protection, allowing for some human activities while maintaining connectivity with the core area.
The large size of the Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve contributes to its importance in tiger conservation and provides a significant habitat for the preservation of other wildlife species as well.
Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve Hills
The Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve is situated amidst the scenic and lush hill ranges of Nallamalais, which are an offshoot of the Eastern Ghats mountain range. The Nallamalais add to the natural beauty of the tiger reserve and provide a diverse habitat for wildlife.
Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve River
The Krishna River passes through the Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve.
The Krishna River, one of the major rivers in southern India, flows through the tiger reserve, enhancing its natural beauty and providing water resources to the wildlife and vegetation within the reserve. The river forms an integral part of the ecosystem, sustaining the diverse flora and fauna that inhabit the Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve.
Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve Lake
The Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve includes two significant reservoirs: the Srisailam Reservoir and the Nagarjunasagar Reservoir.
(1) Srisailam Reservoir:
The Srisailam Reservoir is located on the Krishna River within the tiger reserve. It is formed by the Srisailam Dam and serves multiple purposes such as irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and water supply.
(2) Nagarjunasagar Reservoir:
The Nagarjunasagar Reservoir is another significant water body within the Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve. It is formed by the Nagarjunasagar Dam, also situated on the Krishna River. The reservoir is renowned as one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. It serves irrigation needs and also facilitates hydroelectric power generation.
Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve Waterfalls
The Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve is blessed with several captivating waterfalls that add to its natural beauty. Some of the prominent waterfalls within the reserve include:
(1) Ethipothala Falls: Situated in the Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve, the Ethipothala Falls is a magnificent waterfall with a height of about 70 feet (21 meters). It is known for its picturesque setting amidst lush greenery and rocky cliffs. The waterfall forms a pool at the bottom, creating a serene and refreshing atmosphere.
(2) Pedda Dukudu: Pedda Dukudu is a smaller waterfall located in the tiger reserve. Though relatively lesser-known, it offers a tranquil environment and a scenic spot for visitors to enjoy.
(3) Gundam: Gundam is another beautiful waterfall situated in the Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve. It is located near the village of Gundam and offers a breathtaking sight with its cascading waters surrounded by the natural splendor of the reserve.
(4) Chaleswaram: Chaleswaram waterfall is also found within the tiger reserve. It is known for its picturesque setting and provides a serene escape amidst the lush greenery and rocky landscapes.
Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve Tribe
The Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve is home to several indigenous tribal communities. These tribes have been residing in the region for generations and have a deep connection with the land, forests, and wildlife.
One of the prominent tribes in the tiger reserve is the Chenchu tribe. The Chenchus are an indigenous tribal group known for their traditional hunting and gathering practices. They have a rich knowledge of the forest ecosystem and have been living in harmony with nature for centuries. The Chenchus have a unique cultural heritage, including their language, customs, and traditional practices.
The tribal communities in the Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve have a symbiotic relationship with the natural environment. They rely on the forest resources for their livelihood, gathering forest produce, practicing sustainable agriculture, and engaging in traditional occupations like honey collection and handicrafts.
Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve Flora
The Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve is home to a rich and diverse flora, comprising various vegetation types. Here are some key aspects of the flora found in the tiger reserve:
(1) Southern Tropical Dry Mixed Deciduous Forest:
This forest type dominates the Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve. It is characterized by a mix of deciduous tree species that shed their leaves during the dry season. The vegetation includes species such as teak (Tectona grandis), anogeissus (Anogeissus latifolia), Terminalia (Terminalia arjuna, Terminalia tomentosa), Pterocarpus (Pterocarpus marsupium), and Albizia (Albizia amara). These forests are adapted to the hot and dry climate of the region.
(2) Deccan Thorn Scrub Forest:
This type of forest is prevalent in the tiger reserve, especially in drier and rocky areas. It is characterized by thorny shrubs, small trees, and sparse vegetation. Some common species found in the Deccan Thorn Scrub Forest include Acacia (Acacia nilotica), Ziziphus (Ziziphus mauritiana), Prosopis (Prosopis juliflora), and other xerophytic plants that can withstand arid conditions.
(3) Riparian Forests:
Along the banks of rivers and streams within the tiger reserve, there are riparian forests that thrive in the moist and fertile conditions. These forests consist of tree species such as Terminalia (Terminalia bellerica, Terminalia catappa), Syzygium (Syzygium cumini), Ficus (Ficus religiosa, Ficus benghalensis), and bamboo species (Dendrocalamus strictus).
(4) Grasslands:
The tiger reserve also has patches of grasslands, which provide grazing areas for herbivores. Grass species like Imperata cylindrica, Cenchrus ciliaris, and Heteropogon contortus can be found in these open habitats.
(5) Endemics Species:
The habitat of the Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve supports a variety of plant species, including several endemics. Some notable endemic plant species found in the reserve are Andrographis nallamalayana, Eriolaena lushingtonii, Crotalaria madurensis Var, Dicliptera beddomei, and Premna hamiltonii. These endemic species are unique to the region and contribute to the biodiversity and conservation value of the tiger reserve.
Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve Fauna (Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve Animals)
The Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve is known for its diverse and rich fauna, harboring a wide range of animal species. Here are some of the prominent wildlife species found in the tiger reserve:
Mammals:
- Tiger
- Leopard
- Wolf
- Wild Dog
- Jackal
- Sambar
- Chital
- Chowsingha
- Chinkara
- Mouse Deer
- Wild boar
- Porcupine
- Otters
Birds:
- Indian Peafowl
- Painted Stork
- Black Ibis
- Great Hornbill
- Indian Roller
- Grey Francolin
- Indian Pitta
- Pied Kingfisher
Reptiles:
- Indian Rock Python
- Indian Cobra
- Monitor Lizard
- Mugger Crocodile
- Indian Chameleon
- Fan-throated Lizard
- Indian Star Tortoise
- Turtles
Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve UPSC Questions
Q. Where is Nagarjuna Srisailam Tiger Reserve?/Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve in which state?/Where is the largest tiger reserve in India?
A. Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve is located in Andhra Pradesh (Kurnool District, Prakasam District and Guntur District) and Telangana (Nalgonda District and Mahabub Nagar district), India.
Q. Which river passes/flow through Nagarjuna Srisailam Tiger Reserve?
A. Krishna river passes through Nagarjuna Srisailam Tiger Reserve.
Q. Which is the largest tiger reserve UPSC?
A. Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve is the largest tiger reserve in India. It is spread over an area of 5937 Sq. km. in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Q. What is the new name of Nagarjuna Srisailam Tiger Reserve?
A. Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary is the new name of Nagarjuna Srisailam Tiger Reserve
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