Kali Tiger Reserve

About Kali Tiger Reserve

• Location: Kali Tiger Reserve, earlier known as Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve is located in the central portion of the Uttara Kannada (North Canara) district of Karnataka state.
• It comprises two important protected areas of the region, viz., Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary and Anshi National Park.
• Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary (475.018 sq km) and Anshi National Park (339.866 sq km) are contiguous to each other and form a single tract of protected area located in the biologically sensitive Western Ghats.
• River: The Kali River, which forms the major source of water for Uttara Kannada, flows through the tiger reserve, and hence the name.
• Vegetation: Forests are primarily moist deciduous and semi-evergreen, with excellent patches of evergreen forests in the westernmost parts as well as in deep valleys. 
• Flora: The complex floral tapestry comprises hardwood trees like teak, silver oak, Malabar tamrind, jamba, lantana, bamboo, shrubbery, and dense vegetative undergrowth on the floor.
• Fauna: Prominent species are the Asiatic elephant, tiger, leopard, gaur, chevrotain, spotted deer, barking deer, sloth bear, dhole, jungle and leopard cat, Malabar civet, and giant civet.

Q1) What are Hardwood Trees?

Hardwood trees, known for their dense and durable wood, are a type of deciduous tree, meaning they shed their leaves annually. They belong to the angiosperm group, specifically the hardwood or broadleaf category. These trees produce seeds with a covering, often in the form of a fruit or nut. Hardwood finds various applications in construction, furniture making, flooring, and other industries.

Source: 5 poachers held in Kali Tiger Reserve; huge cache of animal parts including claws, deer meat seized