Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve UPSC

Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve is a wildlife sanctuary and tiger reserve located in the state of Chhattisgarh, India. It was created by merging the two separate Sanctuaries of Udanti and Sitanadi in the year 2008-09.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
River
Flora
Fauna

Mammals
Birds
Reptiles

UPSC Questions

Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve Location

Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve is located in the Gariaband district of Chhattisgarh state, India. It is approximately 160 kilometers away from the capital city of Raipur.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve is Swami Vivekananda Airport, also known as Raipur Airport. It is located in Raipur, the capital city of Chhattisgarh. The distance between Raipur Airport and Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve is approximately 163 kilometers.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve is Raipur Junction Railway Station. It is well-connected to various cities in India and serves as a gateway to the region. From Raipur Junction, you can reach Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve by road, which is approximately 177 kilometers away.

Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve History

Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve has an interesting history that spans several decades. Here's a brief overview:

1. Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary: The reserve was initially established as the Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary in 1974, covering an area of 556 square kilometers. It was primarily created to protect the biodiversity and ecosystems of the region.

2. Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary: In 1983, the Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary was established, covering an area of 247 square kilometers.

3. Expansion and Renamed: In 1998, Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary and Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary merged and renamed Udanti Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary, covering a total area of 1,425 square kilometers.

4. Tiger Reserve Declaration: Recognizing the significance of the region for tiger conservation, Udanti Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary was declared as a tiger reserve in 2008-09.

Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve Area

Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve has a total area of 1,842.54 square kilometers, which is divided as follows:

(1) Core/Critical Tiger Habitat: 851.09 square kilometers

Core I Udanti: 275.77 square kilometers
Core II Sitanadi: 575.32 square kilometers

(2) Buffer Area: 991.45 square kilometers

Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve River

Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve is named after two prominent rivers that flow through the reserve: Udanti River and Sitanadi River.

(1) Udanti River:

The Udanti River is one of the major rivers that flow through the tiger reserve. It originates in the Maikal Range and traverses a significant portion of the reserve.

(2) Sitanadi River:

The Sitanadi River is another important river that flows through Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve. It also originates in the Maikal Range and passes through the reserve, contributing to the diverse ecosystems within the area.

Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve Flora

Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve is known for its diverse flora, which includes a variety of plant species. The reserve's vegetation comprises different types of forests, ranging from moist deciduous forests to dry deciduous forests.

Here are some of the notable flora found in Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve:

Sal (Shorea robusta): Sal is one of the dominant tree species in the Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve. It thrives in the moist deciduous forests and provides important habitat and food sources for various animal species.

Teak (Tectona grandis): Teak is another prominent tree species found in the Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve. It is highly valued for its timber and is known for its strong and durable wood.

Mahua (Madhuca longifolia): Mahua trees are scattered throughout the reserve and bear edible fruits. The flowers of the Mahua tree are also used to make traditional alcoholic beverages.

Bamboo: Several species of bamboo can be found in Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve. Bamboo forests provide a habitat for many animals and are essential for soil conservation.

Terminalia species: Trees belonging to the Terminalia genus, such as Terminalia arjuna and Terminalia chebula, are found in the reserve. They have cultural and medicinal significance.

Other tree species: The reserve is home to a variety of other tree species, including Semal (Bombax ceiba), Kusum (Schleichera oleosa), Harra (Terminalia chebula), Tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon), and many more.

Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve Fauna (Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve Animals)

Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve is renowned for its diverse and rich fauna. The reserve provides a habitat for a wide range of animal species, including several threatened and endangered species.

Here are some notable fauna found in reserve:

Mammals:

Tigers
Asiatic Wild Buffalos
Panthers
Wild Dogs
Striped Hyena
Jungle Cat
Chital
Four-Horned Antelopes
Barking Deer
Black Buck
Sambar
Blue Bull (Nilgai)
Gaur
Sloth Bear

Note- Asiatic Wild Buffalo is the key endangered species found in the Core Area of Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve.

Birds:

Indian Pitta
Indian Roller
Malabar Pied Hornbill
White-bellied Drongo
Crested Serpent Eagle
Grey-headed Fish Eagle
Changeable Hawk-Eagle
Oriental Honey Buzzard
Indian Peafowl
Red Junglefowl

Reptiles:

Indian Rock Python
Mugger Crocodile
Indian Cobra
Common Monitor Lizard
Indian Chameleon
Indian Sand Boa
Indian Wolf Snake
Common Skink
Indian Garden Lizard
Common Krait