Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve UPSC

Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve is a wildlife sanctuary and tiger reserve located in the state of Maharashtra, India. The reserve is named after two prominent lakes within its boundaries, Navegaon Lake and Nagzira Lake.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
Tiger Corridors
Hills
Lake
Flora
Fauna

Mammals
Birds
Reptile

UPSC Questions

Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve Location

Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve is located in the state of Maharashtra, India. It is situated in the eastern part of Maharashtra, primarily in the Bhandara and Gondia districts.

The reserve is approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Nagpur, which is a major city in Maharashtra. The nearest town to the reserve is Sakoli, which is about 15 kilometers (9 miles) away.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve is Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur, Maharashtra. It is approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) away from the reserve.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve is Gondia Junction Railway Station. It is located in Gondia, Maharashtra, and is approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) away from the reserve.

Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve History

Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve has a significant history in wildlife conservation in India. Here are some key milestones in the history of the reserve:

1. Wildlife Sanctuary Establishment: Navegaon Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1975. It was initially created to protect the wildlife and the forested areas in the region. The sanctuary was formed by merging the Navegaon Wildlife Sanctuary and Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary.

2. Tiger Reserve Declaration: In 2013, Navegaon Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a tiger reserve. This designation aimed to enhance the conservation efforts for the endangered tiger population in the area. It also brought increased attention to the reserve's importance in preserving biodiversity.

Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve is the 46th Tiger Reserve of India amd 5th Tiger reserve of Maharashtra.

Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve Area

Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve is approximately 653.67 square kilometers (252.42 square miles). This area includes the combined area of Nawegaon National Park, Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, Nawegaon Wildlife Sanctuary, New Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, and Koka Wildlife Sanctuary.

Here is the breakdown of their respective areas:

Nawegaon National Park: 129.55 square kilometers (50.02 square miles)
Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary: 152.41 square kilometers (58.87 square miles)
Nawegaon Wildlife Sanctuary: 122.76 square kilometers (47.42 square miles)
New Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary: 151.33 square kilometers (58.39 square miles)
Koka Wildlife Sanctuary: 97.62 square kilometers (37.72 square miles)

Tiger Corridors

Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve has connectivity with several major tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries in Central India. Here are the nearby reserves and sanctuaries with which it shares connectivity:

(1) Kanha Tiger Reserve and Pench Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh): Kanha Tiger Reserve and Pench Tiger Reserve are both located in Madhya Pradesh and are well-known tiger reserves. Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve shares connectivity with these reserves, facilitating wildlife movement across the region.

(2) Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra): Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve is another prominent tiger reserve in Maharashtra. It is located in close proximity to Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve, allowing wildlife to move between these two reserves.

(3) Indravati Tiger Reserve (Chhattisgarh): Indravati Tiger Reserve is situated in Chhattisgarh and is known for its rich biodiversity, including tiger populations. Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve has connectivity with Indravati Tiger Reserve, enabling wildlife movement between these two areas.

(4) Umred-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary and Brahmapuri Division (Maharashtra): Umred-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary and Brahmapuri Division are located in Maharashtra and serve as important wildlife habitats. They provide connectivity with Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve, allowing wildlife to traverse across these areas.

These connectivity corridors between the reserves and sanctuaries are crucial for maintaining genetic diversity, promoting wildlife movement, and supporting the long-term survival of various species, including tigers.

Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve Hills

The highest point in Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve is known as 'Zenda Pahad', which has an elevation of approximately 702 meters (2,303 feet) above sea level. This hill offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and is a notable feature within the reserve.

Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve Lake

Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve is known for its picturesque lakes that add to the natural beauty and wildlife habitat of the reserve. Two prominent lakes within the reserve are Navegaon Lake and Nagzira Lake.

(1) Navegaon Lake:

Navegaon Lake is a man-made lake located in Navegaon National Park, which is part of the Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve. It covers an area of approximately 11 square kilometers and is surrounded by dense forests and hilly terrains. The lake attracts a wide variety of bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatching. Visitors can also enjoy boating and other recreational activities on the lake.

(2) Nagzira Lake:

Nagzira Lake is another significant water body in the reserve. It is located in the Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary and provides a source of water for the wildlife in the area. Birdwatching and boating are popular activities around Nagzira Lake.

Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve Flora

The flora of Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve is characterized as Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous forests. It comprises a diverse range of plant species, contributing to the rich biodiversity of the reserve.

Here are some major trees, shrubs, climbers, and grass species found in the reserve:

Major Trees:

Terminalia tomentosa - Saja, Indian Laurel
Lagerstroemia parviflora - Crepe Myrtle
Anogeissus latifolia - Axlewood, Dhawada
Pterocarpus marsupium - Indian Kino Tree, Bijasal
Diospyrus melanoxylon - Blackwood, Tendu
Ougeinia oogenesis - Indian Laburnum, Amaltas
Tectona grandis - Teak
Bombax ceiba - Silk Cotton Tree, Semal
Lannea grandis - Indian Ash Tree, Anjan
Boswellia serrata - Indian Frankincense, Salai
Adina cordifolia - Indian Oak, Haldu
Xylia xylocarpa - Indian Ironwood, Takhian
Terminalia arjuna - Arjuna Tree
Syzygium cumini - Indian Blackberry, Jamun
Schleichera oleosa - Lac Tree, Kusum
Terminalia chebula - Black Myrobalan, Harad
Sterculia urens - Indian Almond, Paniala

Prominent Shrubs:

Holarrhena antidysenterica - Connessi Bark, Kurchi
Wrightia tinctoria - Pala Indigo Plant
Woodfordia fruticosa - Fire-flame Bush, Dhataki
Helicteres isora - East Indian Screw Tree, Marodphali

Climber Species:

Butea - Flame of the Forest, Palash
Bauhinia - Orchid Tree, Kachnar

Grass Species:

Themeda - Red Grass, Kangaroo Grass
Ischaemum - Needle Grass, Kuruka
Apluda - Joint Grass, Musali
Eragrostis - Love Grass, Durva
Cynodon - Bermuda Grass, Doob
Imperata - Cogon Grass, Lal Dhanka
Vetiveria - Vetiver Grass, Khus
Heteropogon - Bluestem Grass, Dhaman

Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve Fauna (Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve Animals)

Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve is home to a rich and diverse range of fauna, including several mammal, bird, reptile, and amphibian species. Here are some notable examples of the fauna found in the reserve:

Mammals:

Tiger
Panther
Small Indian Civet
Palm Civet
Wolf
Jackal
Wild Dog
Sloth Bear
Ratel
Common Giant Flying Squirrel
Gaur
Sambar
Chital
Four Horned Antelope
Mouse Deer
Barking Deer
Pangolin
Nilgai
Wild Pig

Note- Recently, a rare Melanistic Leopard (commonly known as Black Panther) was spotted in Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve.

Birds:

Indian Grey Hornbill
Indian Pitta
Crested Serpent Eagle
Malabar Pied Hornbill
Painted Stork
Indian Roller
Asian Paradise Flycatcher
Indian Peafowl
Grey-headed Fish Eagle
Oriental Honey Buzzard
White-rumped Shama

Reptiles:

Indian Rock Python
Indian Cobra
Common Monitor Lizard
Indian Chameleon
Indian Star Tortoise