Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR)

Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR) Latest News

In a significant boost to tiger conservation in western Maharashtra, a third tigress was released into the wild at the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR) recently.

About Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR)

• It is located in the Sahyadri Ranges of the Western Ghats in Maharashtra.
• It is the northernmost tiger habitat in the Western Ghats.
• It is the first tiger reserve of Western Maharashtra and the fourth tiger reserve of the State.
• It is spread over two protected areas of Koyana Sanctuary (KWLS) and Chandoli National Park (CNP).
• The central portion of STR is occupied by the “Shivsagar” reservoir of the Koyana River and the “Vasant Sagar” reservoir of the Warana River.
• The habitat of Sahyadri is composed of woodlands, grasslands, and plateaus, the latter locally referred to as “Sadaa”, which are lateritic in nature with considerable habitat value. 
• Vegetation: 
  • The forest cover here is that of moist evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist, and dry deciduous vegetation.
  • It is the only place where climax and near-climax vegetation are plentiful and prospects of adverse anthropogenic influence in the future are minimal.
• Flora:
  • Dense tree cover includes species such as teak, bamboo, Indian laurel, and jamun.
  • Medicinal plants like Asparagus racemosus and Aegle marmelos grow abundantly.
  • Unique Western Ghats endemics, including rare orchids and shrubs, flourish in the reserve’s humid microclimates.
• Fauna:
  • It is home to the endangered species of top carnivores such as Tiger, Wild dog, and Leopard. 
  • The herbivores include Gaur, Sambar, Four Horned Antelope, Mouse Deer, and Giant Squirrel. 
  • The habitat also supports hornbills, and many other endemic birds.

Source: HT

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