Monday, June 26, 2023

Bor Tiger Reserve

Bor Tiger Reserve UPSC

The Bor Tiger Reserve, also known as the Bor Wildlife Sanctuary, is a protected area located in the state of Maharashtra, India. It is situated in the valley of the Wardha river.


Established in 1970 as a wildlife sanctuary, Bor was later declared a tiger reserve in 2014 to protect the population of tigers and their habitat. The reserve spans an area of about 138 square kilometers, encompassing a mix of dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and wetlands.


Table of Contents

  • Bor Tiger Reserve Location
  • Bor Tiger Reserve History
  • Bor Tiger Reserve Area
  • Tiger Corridor
  • Bor Tiger Reserve River
    • Bor River
  • Bor Tiger Reserve Lake
    • Bor Dam
  • Bor Tiger Reserve Flora
  • Bor Tiger Reserve Fauna
    • Mammals
    • Birds
    • Reptile
  • Top Things to do in Bor Tiger Reserve
  • Bor Tiger Reserve UPSC Questions


Bor Tiger Reserve Location

Bor Tiger Reserve is located in the Wardha district of Maharashtra, India. It is situated approximately 60 kilometers north of Nagpur.


Bor Tiger Reserve Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Bor Tiger Reserve is Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur. It is the main airport serving the region, and it is located approximately 60 kilometers south of the reserve. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use other means of transportation to reach the Bor Tiger Reserve.


Bor Tiger Reserve Nearest Railway Station:

As for the nearest railway station, the closest one to Bor Tiger Reserve is Wardha Junction. Wardha Junction is a major railway station in Wardha district, Maharashtra, and it is situated approximately 35 kilometers southwest of the reserve. From Wardha Junction, you can take a taxi or other local transportation options to reach the Bor Tiger Reserve.




Bor Tiger Reserve History

The history of the Bor Tiger Reserve dates back to its establishment as a wildlife sanctuary. Here's an overview of its history:


Wildlife Sanctuary: Bor Wildlife Sanctuary was initially established in 1970 under the Wildlife Protection Act of India. The sanctuary was created with the objective of preserving the natural habitat and biodiversity of the area.


Tiger Reserve: In 2014, the Bor Wildlife Sanctuary was upgraded to the status of a tiger reserve. This decision was made to provide additional protection to the tiger population and their habitat within the sanctuary.


Note- Bor Tiger Reserve is the 6th tiger reserve in Maharashtra and the 47th in the country. 




Bor Tiger Reserve Area

The Bor Tiger Reserve covers an approximate area of 138 square kilometers, which includes the Bor Wildlife Sanctuary, the New Bor Wildlife Sanctuary, and an additional 16 sq km area. It is the smallest tiger reserves in the country.


This area includes a diverse range of habitats, such as dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and wetlands. The reserve's relatively compact size allows for effective conservation management and monitoring of the wildlife population within its boundaries.




Tiger Corridor

The Bor Tiger Reserve is strategically located between the Pench Tiger Reserve and the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in the Nagpur and Chandrapur districts of Maharashtra, respectively. This region acts as a crucial tiger corridor connecting these two tiger reserves.


A tiger corridor is a stretch of habitat that allows tigers and other wildlife to move between different protected areas. It plays a vital role in maintaining genetic diversity and promoting the long-term survival of the tiger population. Unfortunately, the corridor between Pench and Tadoba-Andhari has become fragmented due to various factors such as infrastructure development, human settlements, and agricultural activities.




Bor Tiger Reserve River

Bor River:

The Bor Tiger Reserve is traversed by the Bor River, which plays a significant role in the ecology and biodiversity of the reserve. The Bor River is a tributary of the Wardha River, which itself is a major river in the state of Maharashtra, India.


The river serves as a lifeline for the wildlife within the reserve, providing a source of water for drinking and bathing. It also supports the vegetation and various aquatic species in the area. The presence of the river adds to the diversity of habitats within the Bor Tiger Reserve, including riverine forests and wetland ecosystems.


The Bor River and its associated riparian zones are important for maintaining the overall ecological balance and supporting the survival of various species, including the tiger population. It serves as a vital corridor for wildlife movement and contributes to the overall biodiversity conservation efforts in the region.




Bor Tiger Reserve Lake

Bor Dam or Bor Tiger Lake:

The Bor Tiger Reserve features a prominent lake known as Bor Dam or Bor Tiger Lake. It is an artificial lake formed by the construction of the Bor Dam on the Bor River. The dam was built for irrigation purposes and to provide a water source for nearby agricultural lands.


The Bor Tiger Lake serves as an important water body within the reserve, attracting a variety of wildlife and supporting their needs. It provides a habitat for aquatic species and is a watering hole for animals in the surrounding areas.


The lake also adds to the scenic beauty of the Bor Tiger Reserve, enhancing the overall natural landscape and offering opportunities for visitors to enjoy the serene surroundings. Boating and other recreational activities are not allowed in the lake to minimize disturbance to the wildlife and maintain the ecological balance of the reserve.


The presence of the Bor Tiger Lake further contributes to the diverse range of habitats and ecosystems within the reserve, making it an integral part of the conservation efforts and overall biodiversity of the area.




Bor Tiger Reserve Flora

In the Bor Tiger Reserve, located in the South Deccan Plateau dry deciduous forests ecoregion, there is a diverse range of flora. Some of the main species of trees found in the sanctuary include:


Teak (Tectona grandis): Teak is a valuable timber tree known for its durable wood.


Ain (Terminalia elliptica): Ain is a deciduous tree that is commonly found in dry deciduous forests.


Tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon): Tendu, also known as East Indian ebony, is a medium-sized tree with dark-colored timber.


Bamboo: Various species of bamboo are found in the Bor Tiger Reserve. Bamboo is known for its rapid growth and versatility.



In addition to trees, there are several herbaceous plants and shrubs present in the sanctuary. Some of the main herb species found in the Bor Tiger Reserve include:


Tarot (Colocasia esculenta): Tarot is a perennial herbaceous plant known for its large leaves and edible tubers.


Tenella (Bauhinia vahlii): Tenella is a flowering shrub with showy, pink flowers.


Tarwar (Cassia auriculata): Tarwar, also known as Tanner's Cassia, is a shrub with yellow flowers that has medicinal properties.


Gokhru (Tribulus terrestris): Gokhru is a small herb with spiny fruit and is used in traditional medicine.


Wight (bracteata): Wight, also known as Wight's bracteata, is a herbaceous plant found in dry regions.


Vanbhendi (Vernonia cinerea): Vanbhendi is a medicinal herb with purple flowers.


Velatri: Velatri is a local name for the herb Pergularia daemia, which has medicinal properties.


Waghori: Waghori, also known as Desmodium heterophyllum, is a herbaceous plant commonly found in forested areas.




Bor Tiger Reserve Fauna (Bor Tiger Reserve Animals)

The Bor Tiger Reserve is home to a diverse range of wildlife species, including several iconic and endangered animals. Here are some of the notable fauna found in the reserve:


Mammals:

  • Bengal Tiger
  • Indian leopard
  • Sloth Bear
  • Wild Dog
  • Indian Bison
  • Blue Bull
  • Chital
  • Sambar Deer
  • Barking Deer
  • Mouse Deer
  • Monkey
  • Wild Boar


Birds:

  • Indian Peafowl
  • Indian Grey Hornbill
  • Indian Pitta
  • White-rumped Vulture
  • Painted Stork
  • Indian Roller
  • Grey-headed Fish Eagle
  • Black-headed Oriole
  • Jungle Owlet


Reptiles:

  • Indian Cobra
  • Russell’s Viper
  • Indian Rock Python
  • Indian Rat Snake
  • Chequered Keelback
  • Monitor Lizard




Top Things to do in Bor Tiger Reserve

When visiting the Bor Tiger Reserve, there are several activities and experiences that you can engage in to make the most of your visit. Here are some of the top things to do in the Bor Tiger Reserve:


  • Wildlife Safari
  • Birdwatching
  • Nature Walks
  • Photography
  • Visit the Bor Dam
  • Learn about Tribal Culture
  • Participate in Conservation Activities
  • Nature Interpretation Centers




Bor Tiger Reserve UPSC Questions

Q. In which district Bor Tiger Reserve is located?

A. Bor Tiger Reserve is located in the Wardha district of Maharashtra, India.


Q. Which river passes through Bor Tiger Reserve?

A. Bor river passes through Bor Tiger Reserve.


Q. Which is smallest tiger reserve in India?

A. Bor Tiger Reserve is the smallest tiger reserve in India. It covers an area of 138.12 km2, which includes the Bor Wildlife Sanctuary, the New Bor Wildlife Sanctuary, and an additional 16 sq km area.


Q. How many tigers are there in Bor Tiger Reserve?

A. As per estimates, there are around six to eight tigers in Bor Tiger Reserve.


Q. What is the Speciality of Bor Tiger Reserve?

A. The Bor Tiger Reserve has several unique features and specialties that make it a noteworthy destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Here are some of the special aspects of the Bor Tiger Reserve:


  • Tiger Conservation
  • Biodiversity
  • Tribal Culture
  • Connectivity and Corridor
  • Scenic Landscape
  • Community Participation

Bor Tiger Reserve

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