Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve UPSC (53rd Tiger Reserve in India UPSC)
The Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve is a wildlife sanctuary and a tiger reserve located in the state of Chhattisgarh, India. The combined areas of the Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary declared Tiger Reserve in 2022.
Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve is named after Guru Ghasidas, a revered spiritual leader and social reformer from the Satnami community.
The tiger reserve is situated in the central highlands of Chhattisgarh. It is characterized by hilly terrains, dense forests, and rich biodiversity. The region is a part of the larger Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve, which is spread across Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.
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Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve Location
Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve is located in Koriya and Surajpur district of Chhattisgarh state of India. It is situated in the northern part of the state, bordering Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand.
The combined areas of the Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary formed Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve. Guru Ghasidas National Park is located in the Koriya district of Chhattisgarh and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Surajpur district of Chhattisgarh.
Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve is Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh, which is approximately 220 kilometers away from the tiger reserve.
Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve is the Jaora Railway Station. It is approximately 20 kilometers away from the tiger reserve.
Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve History
Establishment: In 1983, It was established as Sanjay National Park.
Formation of Guru Ghasidas National Park: In 2000, Guru Ghasidas National Park was formed from Sanjay National Park when Chhattisgarh was bifurcated from Madhya Pradesh and formed a state in itself. After Creating new state 60% of the Sanjay National Park fell under the district of Koriya in Chhattisgarh.
Rename: In 2007, the park was renamed as Guru Ghasidas Ntional Park in honor of Guru Ghasidas, the founder of the Satnami community and a social reformer. This renaming aimed to pay tribute to his contributions and to create awareness about the principles and values he propagated.
Tiger Reserve Status: In 2022, the combined areas of the Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary declared Tiger Reserve. It is the 53rd Tiger Reserve in India and 4th tiger reserve in Chhattisgarh after the Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve, Achanakmar Tiger Reserve and Indravati Tiger Reserve.
Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve Area
The Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve spans an area of approximately 2,108 square kilometers. This expansive tiger reserve is situated in the central highlands of Chhattisgarh, India.
- Guru Ghasidas National Park (1,500 km2)
- Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary (608.51 Km²)
Corridor
The Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve plays a crucial role in connecting two neighboring states, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh, through its expansive territory. This connectivity serves as an essential corridor for tigers, allowing them to move between the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserves in Madhya Pradesh and the Palamau Tiger Reserves in Jharkhand.
Tiger corridors are vital for maintaining genetic diversity and promoting the long-term survival of the species. They enable tigers to disperse, seek new territories, find mates, and establish new populations. Without these corridors, isolated tiger populations may face genetic bottlenecks, reduced breeding opportunities, and increased risks of inbreeding, which can lead to decreased overall genetic fitness.
The connectivity provided by the Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve facilitates the movement of tigers between the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserves and the Palamau Tiger Reserves. Tigers from these two reserves can traverse the protected areas of Guru Ghasidas, utilizing its forests, rivers, and diverse habitats as a safe passage. This corridor not only benefits the tiger populations but also supports the exchange of genetic material, ensuring the health and resilience of these magnificent creatures.
Moreover, the corridor's significance extends beyond tigers. It also allows for the movement of other wildlife species, facilitating ecological processes such as seed dispersal and maintaining overall ecosystem balance. By providing a seamless connection between different tiger reserves, the Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve contributes to the larger conservation landscape and fosters collaboration between states in protecting these endangered species.
Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve River
River flows through Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve are:
- Banas River
- Bijaur Nala
- Hasdeo River
The presence of the rivers within the tiger reserve contributes to the availability of water sources for wildlife, serving as a vital drinking spot and providing habitats for aquatic species. It also influences the vegetation patterns, creating riparian habitats along its banks, which support a diverse array of plant and animal life.
The river's flow and the associated riparian zones offer a unique ecosystem within the tiger reserve, attracting a variety of bird species, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals. The aquatic habitats created by the river are essential breeding grounds for many species, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve.
Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve Flora
The vegetation in the Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve primarily comprises mixed deciduous forests dominated by teak (Tectona grandis), sal (Shorea robusta), and bamboo trees. These tree species play a significant role in shaping the ecosystem and providing habitats for various flora and fauna.
Teak (Tectona grandis): Teak trees are known for their sturdy timber and are one of the most valuable timber species in India. They thrive in the mixed deciduous forests of the Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve, contributing to the forest canopy and providing important shade and cover for wildlife.
Sal (Shorea robusta): Sal trees are another prominent species in the reserve's vegetation. They are a dominant tree species in the mixed deciduous forests and provide valuable timber, as well as food sources such as sal seeds for wildlife, including birds and mammals.
Bamboo: Bamboo groves are also prevalent in the Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve. Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that forms thickets and provides food, shelter, and nesting sites for various animal species. It is an important component of the reserve's ecosystem.
These mixed deciduous forests with teak, sal, and bamboo trees create a diverse and vibrant habitat within the Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve. The interplay between these tree species, along with other associated flora, contributes to the overall ecological balance and supports a wide range of wildlife species in the reserve.
Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve Fauna (Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve Animals)
The Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve is home to a diverse array of fauna, including a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and other wildlife species. Here are some notable examples of the fauna found in the tiger reserve:
Mammals:
- Tiger
- Leopard
- Nilgai
- Chital
- Chinkara
- Sambar
- Four-horned Antelope
- Jackal
- Striped Hyena
- Bison
- Wild Dog
- Sloth Bear
- Wild Boar
Note- Guru Ghasidas National Park was the last known habitat of the Asiatic Cheetah in India
Birds:
- Indian Peafowl
- Indian Roller
- Grey-headed Fish Eagle
- White-bellied Drongo
- Crested Serpent Eagle
- Indian Pitta
- Indian Grey Hornbill
- Black-headed Oriole
- Red Junglefowl
Reptiles:
- Indian Python
- Indian Cobra
- Common Krait
- Indian Rock Python
Top Things to do in Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve
When visiting the Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve, there are several activities and experiences that you can engage in to make the most of your visit. Here are some top things to do in the tiger reserve:
- Wildlife Safaris
- Birdwatching
- Nature Trails and Trekking
- Photography
- Visit Tribal Villages
- Nature Interpretation Centers
- Camping and Nature Stays
- River Walks and Boating
- Wildlife Conservation Activities
- Enjoy Local Cuisine
Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve UPSC Questions
Q. Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve in which state?/In which state Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve is located?
A. Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve is located in Koriya and Surajpur district of Chhattisgarh state of India.
Q. When Guru Ghasidas declared as Tiger Reserve?
A. Guru Ghasidas declared as Tiger Reserve in 2022.
Q. Which national park is also known as Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve?
A. Sanjay National Park is also known as Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve.
Q. What is the 53rd Tiger Reserve?/Which is the latest 53rd Tiger Reserve In India?
A. Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve is the latest 53rd Tiger Reserve In India.
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