Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve UPSC

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is a popular wildlife sanctuary located in the state of Maharashtra, India. It is one of the largest and oldest national parks in the state and is named after the Tadoba Lake and the Andhari River that flow through its vicinity.

The reserve is part of the larger Tadoba-Andhari Landscape, which also includes the Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary and several other protected areas.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
Hills
River
Lake
Tribe
Flora
Fauna

Mammals
Birds
Reptile

UPSC Questions

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve Location

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is located in the Chandrapur district of the state of Maharashtra in India. It is situated in the central part of the country and is approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) from Nagpur, which is the nearest major city and has an airport.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, located in Nagpur, Maharashtra. The distance between Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur and Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles).

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is Chandrapur Railway Station. The distance between Chandrapur Railway Station and Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve varies depending on the specific entry gate or location within the reserve. However, on average, it is around 40 to 50 kilometers (25 to 31 miles).

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve History

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve has a rich history that dates back several decades. Here is a brief overview of its historical significance:

1. Tadoba National Park: The forests of Tadoba have a long history of conservation. The region was initially declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955, known as Tadoba National Park. It covered an area of about 116 square kilometers (45 square miles).

2. Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary: In 1986, Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary was formed.

3. Formation of Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve: In 1993, Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary, which adjoined the Tadoba National Park, was merged with it to form the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. This consolidation increased the protected area to its present size of approximately 1,727 square kilometers (667 square miles).

4. Tiger Reserve Status: The reserve was officially notified as a tiger reserve in 1995.

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve Area

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is spread across a total area of 1,727.17 square kilometers (667.97 square miles). The reserve consists of two main components:

Core/Critical Tiger Habitat: This area covers 625.40 square kilometers (241.21 square miles) within the reserve. It is the primary zone where tiger conservation efforts are focused, aiming to provide a safe and undisturbed habitat for the endangered Bengal tigers.

Buffer/Peripheral Area: The buffer or peripheral area of Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve encompasses 1,101.77 square kilometers (425.76 square miles).

Combined, the core and buffer areas make up the total area of the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, which spans 1,727.17 square kilometers (667.97 square miles). The division of the reserve into core and buffer areas helps ensure the conservation of wildlife and their habitats, including the critically endangered Bengal tigers.

Core/ Critical Tiger habitat : 625.40 sq.km.
Buffer/ peripheral area : 1101.77 sq.km.
Total : 1727.17 sq.km.

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve Hills

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve includes various hills within its boundaries. Here is the hills within the reserve:

(1) Chimur Hills:

The Chimur Hills are located within the Tadoba range of the tiger reserve. These hills contribute to the diverse topography of the region and are covered with dense forests.

(2) Moharli Range:

The Moharli Range is part of the Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary, which is included in the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. It encompasses hilly terrain and dense forests. The Moharli Range is known for its rich biodiversity and is an important area for tiger conservation within the reserve.

(3) Kolsa Range:

The Kolsa Range is also located within the Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary, adjacent to the Moharli Range. It features hilly landscapes covered with thick vegetation, providing a suitable habitat for various wildlife species.

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve River

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is blessed with the presence of the Andhari River, which flows through the sanctuary and lends its name to the adjoining Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary.

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve Lake

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is known for the presence lakes. Here is some information about the lakes:

(1) Tadoba Lake:

Tadoba Lake is a picturesque lake located within the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. It is a perennial lake that serves as a vital water source for the wildlife in the area.

(2) Kolsa Lake:

Kolsa Lake is located near Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve.

(3) Erai Reservoir:

Erai Reservoir is located near the boundaries of Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve.

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve Tribe

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is home to several indigenous tribes who have been living in the region for generations. Here are some of the prominent tribes associated with the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve:

(1) Gond Tribe:

The Gond tribe is one of the major tribal communities in the region. They have a significant presence in the forests surrounding the reserve.

(2) Kolam Tribe:

The Kolam tribe is another indigenous community found in the vicinity of the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. The Kolam people have relied on the forests for their livelihood, engaging in activities like hunting, gathering forest produce, and agriculture.

(3) Andh Tribe:

The Andh tribe is an indigenous community inhabiting the Chandrapur district, where the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is located. The Andh people have close ties with the forest ecosystem and have traditionally practiced shifting cultivation and other sustainable livelihood practices.

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve Flora

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve boasts a diverse range of flora, consisting of various tree species, bamboo, and other vegetation types. Here are some of the major tree species and vegetation found in the reserve:

Teak (Tectona grandis): Teak is one of the predominant tree species in the reserve. It is valued for its timber and is known for its tall, straight trunks and durable wood.

Ain (Terminalia alata): Ain is a deciduous tree species found in Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve.

Bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus): Bamboo covers a significant portion of the habitat, accounting for about 40% of the vegetation in the reserve.

Bija (Pterocarpus marsupium): Bija, also known as Indian Kino, is a tree species native to the region. It is valued for its medicinal properties and is used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.

Dhaoda (Anogeissus latifolia): Dhaoda is a drought-resistant tree species found in the dry deciduous forests of the reserve. It plays a vital role in stabilizing the soil and preventing erosion.

Haldu (Adina cordifolia): Haldu is a large deciduous tree species with yellowish-white flowers. It is known for its timber and is used in the construction industry.

Salai (Boswellia serrata): Salai is a species of frankincense tree found in the reserve. It is known for its fragrant resin, which has various medicinal and cultural uses.

Semal (Bombax ceiba): Semal, also known as the silk cotton tree, is a majestic tree species found in the reserve. It is known for its large red flowers and distinctive seed pods.

In addition to these tree species, the reserve also features moist areas where species like Mango, Jamun, and Arjun are found.

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve Fauna (Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve Animals)

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is renowned for its rich and diverse fauna. The reserve supports a wide range of wildlife species, including several endangered and iconic animals. Here are some of the prominent fauna found in reserve:

Mammals:

Bengal Tiger
Indian leopards
Sloth Bears
Gaur
Nilgai
Dhole
Striped Hyena
Small Indian Civet
Jungle Cats
Sambar
Barking Deer
Chital
Chausingha
Honey Badger

Birds:

Grey-headed Fish Eagle
Crested Serpent Eagle
Hawk-eagle.
Orange-headed Thrush
Indian Pitta
Crested Treeswift
Stone Curlew
Crested Honey Buzzard
Paradise Flycatcher
Bronze-winged Jacana
Lesser Goldenbacked Woodpecker
Black-naped Blue Flycatcher
Indian Peafowl

Reptiles:

Indian Cobra
Russel's Viper
Marsh Crocodile
Indian Python
Common Indian Monitor
Terrapins
Indian Star Tortoise