Melghat Tiger Reserve UPSC
The Melghat Tiger Reserve is a wildlife sanctuary located in the state of Maharashtra, India. It is one of the important tiger reserves in the country and covers an area of about 2,768 square kilometers. The reserve is named after the Melghat Hills, which are part of the Satpura Mountain Range.
Melghat Tiger Reserve was established in 1974 with the primary objective of conserving the Bengal tiger population. The reserve is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to several endangered and endemic species. Apart from tigers, the reserve is inhabited by leopards, Indian bison (gaur), sambar deer, chital, barking deer, wild boar, and various species of birds and reptiles.
The landscape of the Melghat Tiger Reserve is characterized by rugged terrain, deep valleys, steep slopes, and dense forests. The region receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, which contributes to the growth of diverse vegetation.
The reserve also serves as a vital watershed for the Tapti River and provides water to several villages and towns downstream. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the region.
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Melghat Tiger Reserve Location
The Melghat Tiger Reserve is located in the Amravati district of Maharashtra, India. It is situated in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, close to the border with Madhya Pradesh. The nearest major city to the reserve is Amravati, which is around 80 kilometers away.
How to reach Melghat Tiger Reserve?
Melghat Tiger Reserve Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to the Melghat Tiger Reserve is Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur, Maharashtra. It is the largest airport in the region and is well-connected with major cities in India. The distance between the airport and the reserve is approximately 240 kilometers.
Melghat Tiger Reserve Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to the Melghat Tiger Reserve is the Badnera Junction Railway Station, also known as Amravati Railway Station. It is located in Amravati city, which is the headquarters of the Amravati district in Maharashtra. The railway station is approximately 90 kilometers away from the Melghat Tiger Reserve.
Melghat Tiger Reserve History
Reserved Forest: The history of the Melghat Tiger Reserve dates back to the early 20th century when it was initially declared as a reserved forest.
Recognition: In the 1970s, the Government of Maharashtra recognized the ecological significance of the area and initiated steps to conserve its biodiversity.
Wildlife Sanctuary: In 1973, the Melghat Wildlife Sanctuary was established, primarily to protect the endangered species like the Bengal tiger.
National Park Formation: In 1974, Melghat Wildlife Sanctuary was designated as a tiger reserve under the Project Tiger initiative, which was launched by the Government of India to protect and conserve the endangered Bengal tigers.
Melghat Tiger Reserve is among the first 9 places in the country designated as tiger reserves in 1973-74. It was the first Tiger Reserve to be declared in the State of Maharashtra.
Melghat Tiger Reserve Area
The Melghat Tiger Reserve covers an area of approximately 2,768 square kilometers. This includes both the core/critical tiger habitat and the buffer/peripheral area. The core/critical tiger habitat encompasses around 1,500.49 square kilometers, while the buffer/peripheral area spans approximately 1,268.03 square kilometers. Together, they make up the total area of the Melghat Tiger Reserve.
- Core/ Critical Tiger habitat : 1500.49 Sq.km
- Buffer/ Peripheral area : 1268.03 Sq.km.
- Total : 2768.52 Sq.km.
The Melghat Tiger Reserve includes Gugamal National Park, Wan Wildlife Sanctuary, Ambabarwa Wildlife Sanctuary, and Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary within its boundaries. These protected areas contribute to the overall conservation and ecological significance of the Melghat Tiger Reserve.
Melghat Tiger Reserve Hills
The Melghat Tiger Reserve is situated in the Satpura-Maikal landscape and is known for its hilly terrain. The reserve is located on the southern offshoot of the Satpura Hill Range in Central India. It encompasses several hills and ridges, which add to the scenic beauty and ecological significance of the region.
One prominent hill in the Melghat Tiger Reserve is the Gawilgarh Hill. It forms a part of the reserve's boundary and is known for its strategic location and historical significance. Gawilgarh Fort, situated on this hill, offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Apart from Gawilgarh Hill, there are other hills within the reserve that contribute to its topography. These hills, along with deep valleys and steep slopes, create a diverse habitat for various wildlife species and support the rich biodiversity of the Melghat Tiger Reserve.
The hilly terrain of the reserve not only provides a natural habitat for wildlife but also adds to the charm of the area, attracting nature enthusiasts and visitors interested in exploring the picturesque landscapes and observing the wildlife in their natural habitat.
Melghat Tiger Reserve River
The Melghat Tiger Reserve is blessed with several rivers and water bodies that enhance its ecological diversity and provide vital resources to the flora and fauna within the reserve. The main rivers flowing through or adjacent to the Melghat Tiger Reserve include:
(1) Tapti River:
The Tapti River is one of the major rivers in Central India and flows through the northern boundary of the Melghat Tiger Reserve. It serves as a lifeline for the region, providing water for both wildlife and human communities downstream.
(2) Sipna River:
The Sipna River, a tributary of the Tapti River, also flows through the Melghat Tiger Reserve. It originates in the Satpura Hills and joins the Tapti River near the reserve, enriching the biodiversity and supporting the local ecosystems.
(3) Dolar River:
The Dolar River, a tributary of the Tapti River, is another important river that passes through the Melghat Tiger Reserve. It originates in the neighboring hills and traverses through the reserve, contributing to the water resources and ecosystem of the region.
(4) Khandu River:
Khandu River flow through Melghat Tiger Reserve. It is a tributary of Tapti river.
(5) Khapra River:
Khapra River flow through Melghat Tiger Reserve. It is a tributary of Tapti river.
(6) Gadga River:
Khapra River flow through Melghat Tiger Reserve. It is a tributary of Tapti river.
Melghat Tiger Reserve Tribe
The Melghat Tiger Reserve is home to several indigenous tribal communities. These tribes have been residing in the region for centuries and have a deep connection to the forests and the land. The major tribal communities found in and around the Melghat Tiger Reserve include:
(1) Korku Tribe:
The Korku tribe is one of the largest tribal communities in the region. They have a distinct language and cultural heritage. Traditionally, the Korku tribe has been dependent on the forest for their livelihood, engaging in activities such as hunting, gathering forest produce, and shifting agriculture.
(2) Gond Tribe:
The Gond tribe is another significant tribal community in the area. They have a rich cultural heritage and are known for their traditional art, music, and dance forms. The Gond tribe has a deep knowledge of the forest and its resources and has a close relationship with nature.
(3) Bhil Tribe:
The Bhil tribe is also present in the vicinity of the Melghat Tiger Reserve. They have a unique culture and are skilled in various traditional practices such as pottery, weaving, and basket-making. The Bhil community has traditionally relied on agriculture and forest-based activities for their livelihood.
Melghat Tiger Reserve Flora
The Melghat Tiger Reserve is characterized by a Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest ecosystem. Teak (Tectona grandis) is indeed one of the dominant tree species found in the reserve. However, there is also a rich variety of other plant species that contribute to the diverse flora within the reserve. Some of these plant species include:
- Bija (Pterocarpus marsupium)
- Haldu (Adina cordifolia)
- Saja (Terminalia tomentosa)
- Dhawda (Anogeissus latifolia)
- Ain (Terminalia alata)
- Moha (Madhuca longifolia)
- Tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon)
- Achar (Buchanania lanzan)
- Amla (Emblica officinalis)
- Behada (Terminalia bellerica)
- Bhilwa (Semecarpus anacardium)
- Bor (Ziziphus mauritiana)
- Mango (Mangifera indica)
- Khair (Acacia catechu)
- Jamun (Syzygium cumini)
- Apta (Bauhinia racemosa)
- Bel (Aegle marmelos)
- Kulu (Sterculia urens)
These plant species support a diverse range of flora within the Melghat Tiger Reserve, providing food and shelter for various wildlife species. The mix of tree species, along with other vegetation such as grasses, shrubs, and climbers, creates a suitable habitat for the animals that inhabit the reserve, including the Bengal tiger and other mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects.
Melghat Tiger Reserve Fauna (Melghat Tiger Reserve Animals)
Which animals are in the Melghat Tiger Reserve?
Mammals:
- Tiger
- Panther
- Jungle Cat
- Hyena
- Jackal
- Fox
- Wild Dog
- Sloth Bear
- Ratel
- Wild Pig
- Hare
- Porcupine
- Mongoose
- Otter
- Sambar
- Chital
- Gaur
- Barking Deer
- Blue Bull (Nilgai)
- Four Horned Antelope
- Common Langur
- Rhesus Macaque
Birds:
- Malabar Grey Hornbill
- Paradise Flycatcher
- Crested Serpent Eagle
- Crested Hawk Eagle
- Indian Pitta
Reptiles:
- Indian Rock Python
- Indian Cobra
- Common Krait
- Russell’s Viper
Top Things to do in Melghat Tiger Reserve
When visiting the Melghat Tiger Reserve, there are several activities and experiences that nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers can enjoy. Here are some of the top things to do in the Melghat Tiger Reserve:
- Wildlife Safari
- Birdwatching
- Nature Walks and Hiking
- Visit Semadoh Lake
- Tribal Village Visits
- Nature Photography
- Attend Awareness Programs
- Explore Ancient Forts (Gawilgarh Fort)
Melghat Tiger Reserve UPSC Questions
Q. Where is Melghat Tiger Reserve/Melghat Tiger Reserve is located in which state?/ In which District Project Tiger at Melghat is located?
A. The Melghat Tiger Reserve is located in the Amravati district of Maharashtra, India.
Q. When was Melghat tiger reserve established?
A. Melghat Tiger Reserve was established in 1973-74.
Q. Which is the first tiger reserve in Maharashtra?
A. Melghat Tiger Reserve was the first Tiger Reserve to be declared in the State of Maharashtra in 1973-74.
Q. Which river flows through Melghat Tiger Reserve?
A. Tapti, Khandu, Khapra, Sipna, Gadga and Dolar river flows through Melghat Tiger Reserve.
Q. How many tigers in Melghat Tiger Reserve?
A. Melghat Tiger Reserve has 80 tigers.
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