Sahyadri Tiger Reserve UPSC

The Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is a protected area located in the Western Ghats of India. It is situated in the state of Maharashtra and encompasses a significant portion of the Sahyadri mountain range.

The Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to several endangered and endemic species of flora and fauna. It provides habitat for the majestic Bengal tiger, which is the primary focus of conservation efforts in the reserve.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area

Sadas

Hills
River
Lake
Flora
Fauna

Mammals
Birds
Reptile

Monitor Lizard
UPSC Questions

Sahyadri Tiger Reserve Location

Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is located in Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur and Ratnagiri districts of Maharashtra, India. It is situated in the western part of the state, encompassing portions of the Sahyadri mountain range.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is the Pune Airport. It is approximately 160 kilometers away from the reserve. It is a domestic airport that is well-connected to major cities in India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, and Kolkata.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is Kolhapur Railway Station. It is approximately 60 kilometers away from the reserve. Kolhapur Railway Station is well-connected to major cities and towns in Maharashtra and other parts of India.

Sahyadri Tiger Reserve History

1. Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary: The history of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve begins with the establishment of Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary in 1985. Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary was initially created to protect the rich biodiversity and forested areas of the Sahyadri mountain range in Maharashtra.

2. Chandoli National Park: In 2004, Chandoli National Park was created.

3. Tiger Reserve Formation: In 2008, Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary and the Chandoli National Park were merged to form the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve. The reserve was included in the network of tiger reserves in India and received support and funding from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) for its conservation efforts.

4. Expansion: Recently Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is extended towards Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary.

Sahyadri Tiger Reserve Area

The Sahyadri Tiger Reserve covers an approximate area of 1,165 square kilometers. It encompasses parts of the Sahyadri mountain range and is formed by the merger of Chandoli National Park, Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, and Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary.

Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary forming the northern portion and Chandoli National Park forming the southern part of the reserve. Recently Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is extended towards Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary.

Core Area : 600.12 sq.kms.
Buffer Area : 565.45 sq.kms.
Total : 1165.56 Sq.Kms

Sadas:

The most distinct feature of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is the presence of numerous barren rocky and lateritic plateaus, locally called “Sadas”, with less perennial vegetation and over hanging cliffs on the edges along with numerous fallen boulders with dense thorny bushes.

Sahyadri Tiger Reserve Hills

The Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is situated in the Sahyadri mountain range of the Western Ghats in Maharashtra. Sahyadri Ranges form a common boundary between Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa, and constitute rich evergreen, semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests.

Sahyadri Tiger Reserve River

Warna River flows through the Sangli and Kolhapur districts in Maharashtra, and it is an important tributary of the Krishna River. It originates in the Sahyadri mountain range and passes through Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, enhancing the natural beauty and ecological significance of the park.

Sahyadri Tiger Reserve Lake

The Chandoli Dam is a significant water reservoir located near the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra, India. It is situated in the Chandoli National Park, which forms part of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve. The dam is constructed across the Warna River, which flows through the park.

The Chandoli Dam serves multiple purposes, including irrigation, water supply, and hydroelectric power generation. It helps regulate the flow of the Warna River and provides water for agriculture in the surrounding areas. The reservoir formed by the dam also contributes to the biodiversity and ecological balance of the Chandoli National Park.

Sahyadri Tiger Reserve Flora

The Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is known for its rich and diverse flora, owing to its location in the Western Ghats, which is recognized as one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. The reserve encompasses a range of vegetation types, including tropical evergreen forests, semi-evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, and grasslands.

Here are some notable examples of flora found in the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve:

(1) North Western Ghats Moist Deciduous Forests:

These forests are characterized by a mix of deciduous tree species that shed their leaves during the dry season. Common tree species include Teak (Tectona grandis), Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo), Ain (Terminalia alata), and Indian Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia). The forest floor is often covered with a variety of grasses and shrubs.

(2) North Western Ghats Montane Rain Forests:

Found in higher elevations, these forests receive abundant rainfall and have dense vegetation. They are home to a diverse range of tree species, including large evergreen trees such as Ironwood (Mesua ferrea), Cullenia exarillata, and Hopea spp. These forests also contain a variety of epiphytic plants, including orchids and ferns.

(3) Western (Montane) Subtropical Hill Forests:

These forests are characteristic of the higher elevations of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve. They consist of a mix of evergreen and semi-evergreen tree species adapted to the cooler temperatures and misty conditions. Common tree species include Dipterocarpus spp., Syzygium spp., and Elaeocarpus spp.

(4) West Coast Semi Evergreen Forests:

These forests are found in the coastal regions of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve. They are a transitional forest type between evergreen and deciduous forests and contain a mix of tree species that retain some of their leaves throughout the year. Trees such as Hopea parviflora, Terminalia spp., and Artocarpus spp. are commonly found in these forests.

(5) Southern Moist Mixed Deciduous Forests:

These forests are characterized by a mix of deciduous tree species that shed their leaves during the dry season. They typically occur in areas with moderate to high rainfall. Tree species such as Lagerstroemia spp., Terminalia spp., and Pterocarpus marsupium are common in these forests.

Note- Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is the only place where climax and near-climax vegetations are plentiful.

Sahyadri Tiger Reserve Fauna (Sahyadri Tiger Reserve Animals)

The Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is renowned for its diverse and rich fauna. The reserve provides a habitat for numerous species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Here are some examples of the fauna found in the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve:

Mammals:

Tiger
Leopard
Sloth Bear
Wild Dog
Gaur
Sambar
Four Horned Antelope
Mouse Deer
Barking Deer
Giant Squirrel

Birds:

Malabar Whistling Thrush
Malabar Grey Hornbill
Nilgiri Wood Pigeon
Indian Pitta
Indian Scimitar Babbler

Reptiles:

Indian Rock Python
Indian Cobra
Russell's Viper
Indian Chameleon
Monitor Lizard

Sahyadri Tiger Reserve Monitor Lizard

The Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is home to the Monitor Lizard (Varanus bengalensis), which is a species of large reptile found in the region. The Monitor Lizard is a member of the Varanidae family and is known for its impressive size and appearance.

Monitor Lizards are among the largest lizards in the world and can grow up to several feet in length. They have a long, muscular body, a long tail, and powerful legs. Their skin is covered in rough scales, which may have a pattern of spots or bands, providing effective camouflage in their natural habitats.

In the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, Monitor Lizards can be found in a range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands. They are well adapted to these environments and play an important ecological role as predators and scavengers.