National Parks in Telangana, Map, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Tiger Reserves

National Parks in Telangana are legally notified regions created to conserve wildlife, forests, and ecological systems under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Wildlife Sanctuaries permit limited human activity, while National Parks allow no human use except regulated conservation work. There are 574 Wildlife Sanctuaries covering 127,241.24 square kilometres and 107 National Parks in India spanning 44,402.95 square kilometres. These areas safeguard biodiversity, maintain ecological balance, protect endangered species, and preserve natural habitats critical for long-term environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

Protected Areas in Telangana

Telangana has a legally protected conservation network covering 7,260 square kilometres, forming 27% of the state’s forest area.

• Ecological Coverage: Protected Areas preserve forests, rivers, reservoirs, and wildlife corridors.
• Legal Framework: All areas are notified under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• Biodiversity Strength: The state hosts 2,939 plant species and 365 bird species.
• Faunal Diversity: Telangana supports 103 mammal and 28 reptile species.
• Conservation Network: Includes Wildlife Sanctuaries, National Parks, and Tiger Reserves.
• Landscape Variety: Ranges from dry deciduous forests to riverine ecosystems.
• Threat Mitigation: Protected Areas reduce habitat loss and species decline.
• Community Interface: Tribal livelihoods coexist under regulated conservation norms.
• Ecological Balance: These zones stabilize food chains and water systems.

National Parks in Telangana

Telangana has three National Parks notified in 1994, each serving as a strictly protected ecosystem with zero human interference except permitted conservation activities. These parks are located in and around Hyderabad and collectively cover approximately 19.615 square kilometres. Despite their small size, they act as critical green lungs, preserve native dry deciduous vegetation, and support herbivores, carnivores, reptiles, and birds. Their legal status ensures maximum habitat protection, scientific monitoring, and long-term ecological stability in rapidly urbanizing landscapes.

Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park

Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park is a dense forest island surrounded by Jubilee Hills and Banjara Hills in Hyderabad.

• Urban Forest Core: Preserves native forest inside a highly urbanized city.
• Year of Notification: Declared a National Park in 1994.
• Area Coverage: Spreads across 1.425 square kilometres.
• Ecological Role: Regulates city temperature and air quality.
• Vegetation Type: Supports dry deciduous forest species.
• Faunal Presence: Habitat for birds, reptiles, and small mammals.
• Conservation Value: Acts as Hyderabad’s primary biodiversity refuge.

Mahaveer Harina Vanasthali National Park

Mahaveer Harina Vanasthali National Park is a protected deer habitat located on Hyderabad’s outskirts.

• Deer Conservation: Primarily protects spotted deer populations.
• Year of Establishment: Notified as National Park in 1994.
• Area Extent: Covers approximately 14.59 square kilometres.
• Naming Origin: Named after Jain saint Lord Mahavir.
• Habitat Type: Dry deciduous forest and grassland mosaic.
• Faunal Diversity: Supports deer, reptiles, and avian species.
• Ecological Importance: Maintains prey base for regional predators.

Mrugavani National Park

Mrugavani National Park is a compact conservation zone safeguarding dry forest biodiversity near Hyderabad.

• Geographic Location: Situated on the outskirts of Hyderabad city.
• Year of Declaration: Established as National Park in 1994.
• Area Size: Covers about 3.60 square kilometres.
• Key Species: Home to spotted deer and wild boars.
• Predator Presence: Supports fox populations.
• Vegetation Profile: Dry deciduous forest dominated landscape.
• Conservation Role: Preserves native fauna near urban settlements.

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Tiger Reserves in Telangana

Telangana has two notified Tiger Reserves forming the backbone of large-scale wildlife conservation.

1. Amrabad Tiger Reserve: India’s second-largest reserve spanning 2,166.37 square kilometres, hosting tiger, leopard, nilgai, sambar, star tortoise, mugger crocodile, and yellow-throated bulbul, while supporting Chenchu tribal livelihoods.
2. Kawal Tiger Reserve: Covers 892.23 square kilometres with dry deciduous forests, bordered by Godavari River, and supports tiger, gaur, sloth bear, cheetal, chausingha, and barking deer amid conservation challenges.

Wildlife Sanctuaries in Telangana

Wildlife Sanctuaries form the largest share of Telangana’s protected conservation framework. There are 9 Wildlife Sanctuaries in Telangana as discussed below:

1. Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in Dandakaranya forests, traversed by Godavari River, and hosts Medaram Jatara with Koya tribal presence.
2. Kinnersani Wildlife Sanctuary: Surrounds Kinnerasani Reservoir and connects ecologically with Eturnagaram Sanctuary.
3. Lanja Madugu Siwaram Sanctuary: Situated on Godavari River bank, protecting marsh crocodile habitats.
4. Manjeera Crocodile Sanctuary: Riverine ecosystem around Manjeera Reservoir supporting mugger crocodiles and freshwater turtles.
5. Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary: Located along Pranahita River, famous for blackbuck populations near Kaleswaram.
6. Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary: Built around historic Pakhal Lake near Warangal, conserving forest-lake ecosystems.
7. Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in Medak and Nizamabad districts around Pocharam Lake.
8. Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary: Dry deciduous forest zone forming core of Kawal Tiger Reserve.
9. Amrabad Wildlife Sanctuary: Former Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam segment now forming Telangana’s primary tiger landscape.