Mizoram Tiger Reserves UPSC

Dampa Tiger Reserve

1. Dampa Tiger Reserve is located in the Mamit District of the state of Mizoram in northeastern India.
2. It lies along the international border with Bangladesh.
3. In 1985, Dampa Wildlife Sanctuary was initially declared under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
4. In 1994-95, Dampa Wildlife Sanctuary was designated as a tiger reserve.
5. Area: Dampa Tiger Reserve covers an approximate area of 500 square kilometers (193 square miles).
1. Core: 500 sq.km.
2. Buffer: 488 sq.km.
3. Total: 988 sq.km.
6. Hills: The highest point of the Dampa Tiger Reserve is the Chhawrpialtlang with an altitude of 1095m. Other peaks are Dampatlang (869 M) and Pathlawilunglentlang (780 m).
7. River: Here are the rivers that flow through the reserve:
1. Khawthlangtuipui River
2. Teirei River
3. Tributaries of Teirei River (Keisalam River, Seling River, and Aivapui River)
8. Flora: Tropical Evergreen Forests, Semi-Evergreen Forests, Bamboo Forests.
9. Fauna: Tiger, Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Golden Cat, Leopard Cat, Marbled Cat, Wild Dog (Dhole), Himalayan Black Bear, Malayan Sun Bear, Indian Elephant, Gaur, Sambar, Serow, Great Indian Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Indian Rock Python, King Cobra Bengal Monitor Lizard, Indian Flying Lizard etc.
10. Dampa had one of the highest population densities of clouded leopards.

Arunachal Pradesh Tiger Reserves UPSC

Arunachal Pradesh is home to 3 tiger reserves.

1. Pakke Tiger Reserve

1. Pakke Tiger Reserve is located in the East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh in India.
2. It is nestled in the eastern Himalayan foothills.
3. It is also known as Pakhui Tiger Reserve.
4. In 1996, the area of Pakke Tiger Reserve was initially established as Pakhui Reserve Forest.
5. In 1977, it was established as a wildlife sanctuary.
6. In 1999-2000, Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary was designated as a tiger reserve under the Project Tiger.
7. It was the 26th Tiger Reserve in India.
8. In 2011, the Hornbill Nest Adoption Program (HNAP), in collaboration with the Ghora-Aabhe Society (which is a village council) and the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department was adopted.
9. In 2016, Pakke Tiger Reserve was honored with the India Biodiversity Award. It received the award in the category of ‘Conservation of threatened species’ for its innovative Hornbill Nest Adoption Programme.
10. In 2021, the Arunachal Pradesh state cabinet adopted the ‘Pakke Declaration,’ also known as the “Pakke Tiger Reserve 2047 Declaration on Climate Change Resilient and Responsive Arunachal Pradesh.”
11. Area: The area of Pakke Tiger Reserve is as follows:
1. Core: 861.95 Sq. Km
2. Buffer: 515.00 Sq. Km.
3. Total: 1276.95 Sq. Km
12. River: Following river flow through the reserve:
1. The Bhareli River (Kameng River) forms the western and northern boundaries of the tiger reserve.
2. The Pakke River, after which the reserve is named, flows along its eastern boundary.
13. Some of the main perennial streams include:
1. Nameri Stream
2. Khari Stream
3. Upper Dikorai Stream
14. Tribe: The Nyishi community is an indigenous tribe that resides in the vicinity of the tiger reserve.
15. Flora: Some key vegetation types found within the reserve: Assam Valley Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forest, Subtropical Broadleaved Forests, Lowland Moist Forests.
16. Fauna: Tigers, Leopards, Asian Elephants, Hornbills, Clouded Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Gaur, Sambar, Hornbills, Himalayan Monal, King Cobra, Assam Roofed Turtle, Monitor Lizards etc.

2. Kamlang Tiger Reserve

1. Kamlang Tiger Reserve is located in the south-eastern part of the Lohit District of Arunachal Pradesh in India.
2. It is situated in the Eastern Himalayas.
3. It is surrounded by the Kamlang River on the Northern side and Namdapha National Park on the Southern side.
4. In 1989, Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary was established as a protected area.
5. In 2016, Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a tiger reserve under Project Tiger.
6. Area: Kamlang Tiger Reserve covers an area of approximately 783 square kilometers (302 square miles).
7. Its elevation ranges from 200 meters (656 feet) to 4,572 meters (15,000 feet) above sea level.
8. River: The reserve is named after the Kamlang River, which flows through it.
9. Lake: Glow Lake is located within Kamlang Tiger Reserve.
10. Tribe: The Mishmi, Digaro Mishmi, and Miju Mishmi are some of the tribal communities that reside in the vicinity of the reserve.
11. Flora: Tropical Evergreen Forests (Dipterocarpus, Terminalia, Syzygium, Mesua, and Canarium), Subtropical Broadleaf Forests (Castanopsis, Altingia, Michelia, Engelhardtia, Lithocarpus, and Rhododendron), Alpine Vegetation, Bamboo Groves.
12. Fauna: Tiger, Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Marbled Cat, Snow Leopard, Asian Elephant, Sambar, Barking Deer, Golden Cat, Malayan Sun Bear, Slow Loris, Stump-tailed Macaque, Capped Langur, Hoolock Gibbon, Takin, White-bellied Heron, Great Hornbill, Assam Roofed Turtle, Indian Rock Python, Monitor Lizards etc.

3. Namdapha Tiger Reserve

1. The Namdapha Tiger Reserve is located in the Changlang District of the state of Arunachal Pradesh in northeastern India.
2. In 1972, the Government of India declared the Namdapha region as a wildlife sanctuary.
3. In 1983, the Namdapha Wildlife Sanctuary was upgraded to a tiger reserve.
4. In 1983, a significant portion of Namdapha Tiger Reserve was declared as Namdapha National Park.
5. Area: The core or critical tiger habitat within the reserve is approximately 1807.82 square kilometers (698.14 square miles).
1. Core: 1807.82 sq km
2. Buffer: 245 sq km
3. Total: 2052.82 sq km
6. River: The reserve is named after the Namdapha River, which flows through it. other rivers are:
1. Namdapha River
2. Noa-Dihing River
3. Diyun River
4. Dapha River
5. Deban River
7. Tribe: Here are a few prominent tribes that are associated with the Namdapha Tiger Reserve:
1. Tangsa Tribe
2. Lisu Tribe:
3. Singpho Tribe
8. Flora: The reserve encompasses various forest types, including the following:
1. Northern Tropical Evergreen Forest or Assam Valley Tropical Wet Evergreen Forest (Dipterocarpus species),
2. North Indian Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests (Terminalia and Duabanga),
3. East Himalayan Moist Temperate Forests,
4. Moist Alpine Scrub Forests,
5. Assam Valley Alluvial Plains Semi-evergreen Forests,
6. Eastern Hollock Forests.
9. Fauna: Tiger, Jaguar, Snow leopard, Elephants, Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Sun Bear, Hoolock Gibbon, Slow Loris, Goral, Serow, Sambar, Namdapha Flying Squirrel, Great Pied Hornbill, White Winged Wood Duck, King Cobra.

Assam Tiger Reserves UPSC

Assam is home to 4 tiger reserves.

1. Manas Tiger Reserve

1. Manas Tiger Reserve is located in the Kokrajhar, Chirang, Buxa and Udalguri District of Assam, India.
2. It is situated at the foothills of the eastern Himalayas.
3. To the north, it is separated from the Royal Manas National Park of Bhutan by the River Manas and its tributaries- Beki and Hakua; while to the west, it is separated from the Buxa Tiger Reserve of West Bengal by the River Sankosh.
4. In 1907, Manas was initially declared a Reserve Forest.
5. In 1928, it was designated as a Game Sanctuary under the British government’s Forest Act of 1927.
6. In 1950, Manas Game Sanctuary was declared as a Wildlife Sanctuary.
7. In 1973, Manas Wildlife Sanctuary was declared as Manas Tiger Reserve.
8. In 1985, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Natural).
9. In 1989, it was declared as a Biosphere Reserve by government of India.
10. In 1990, Manas was designated as a National Park.
11. In 2003, it was declared as an Elephant Reserve.
12. In 2008, Manas Tiger Reserve was identified as a Critical Tiger Habitat.
13. In 2014, Manas was recognized as a Tiger Source Site for Conservation.
14. Area: Manas Tiger Reserve covers a total area of 2,837.31 square kilometers (1,095.65 square miles).
1. Core: 526.22 sq.km
2. Buffer: 2310.88 sq.km
3. Total: 2837.31 sq.km.
15. River: The reserve is named after the Manas River. Manas River flow through the heart of Manas Tiger Reserve before joining the Brahmaputra River.
16. Flora: Sal Forests, Khair-Sisoo Forests, Scrub Forests, Semi-Evergreen Forests, Mixed Deciduous Forests, Grasslands etc.
17. Fauna: Tiger, Indian Elephants, Indian Rhinoceros, Wild Water Buffaloes, Gaurs, Barasingha, Asian Golden Cats, Dholes, Chinese Pangolin, Bengal Florican, Slender-billed Vulture, Assam Roofed Turtle, Monitor Lizards etc.
18. One of the notable conservation initiatives in Manas was the successful translocation of Indian rhinoceros from the Kaziranga National Park.

2. Nameri Tiger Reserve

1. Nameri Tiger Reserve is located in the Sonitpur district of the state of Assam in northeastern India.
2. It is situated at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas.
3. The reserve is named after the Nameri River, which flows through it.
4. In 1978, a portion of the Sonitpur Reserve Forest was declared as the Nameri Wildlife Sanctuary.
5. In 1999-2000, the Government of India declared Nameri Wildlife Sanctuary as a tiger reserve.
6. Area: Nameri Tiger Reserve covers an approximate area of 344 square kilometers.
1. Core: 200 sq.km.
2. Buffe: 144 sq.km.
3. Total: 344 sq.km.
7. River:  The Nameri Tiger Reserve is traversed by the Jia-Bhoroli River, which is a tributary of the Brahmaputra River. The reserve is also home to several tributaries of the Jia-Bhoroli River, including the Nameri River, Upper Dikorai River, and Bor Dikorai River.
8. Flora: Main forest types and vegetation found within the reserve:
1. Assam Valley Tropical Evergreen Forests,
2. Sub-Himalayan Light Alluvial Semi-Evergreen Forests,
3. Eastern Alluvial Secondary Semi-Evergreen Forests,
4. Cane Brakes,
5. Low Alluvial Savanna Woodland,
6. Eastern Hollock Forests,
7. Eastern Seasonal Swamp Forests,
8. Eastern Dillenia Swamp Forests,
9. Eastern Wet Alluvial Grassland.
9. Fauna: Tiger, Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Wild Dog, Asian Elephant, Gaur, Sambar, Sloth Bear, Slow Loris, White Winged Wood Duck, Great Hornbill, White-rumped Vulture, Slender Billed Vulture,  Assam Roofed Turtle, Bengal Monitor Lizard etc.
10. Nameri Tiger Reserve is famous for the White Winged Wood Duck.

3. Orang Tiger Reserve

1. Orang Tiger Reserve is located in the Darrang and Sonitpur districts of Assam in India.
2. The reserve is situated on the north bank of the Brahmaputra River.
3. Orang Tiger Reserve is referred to as the “Mini Kaziranga National Park” due to its resemblance to Kaziranga National Park.
4. In 1985, Orang was initially established as a wildlife sanctuary.
5. In 1999, the Orang Wildlife Sanctuary was upgraded to the status of a national park. It was renamed as the Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park.
6. In 2016, Orang National Park was declared as a tiger reserve under the Project Tiger initiative.
7. It was the 49th Tiger Reserve in India.
8. Area: The Orang Tiger Reserve encompasses a total area of approximately 492.46 square kilometers.
1. Core- 79.28 sq.km
2. Buffer- 413.18 sq.km
3. Total- 492.46 sq.km
9. River: The Orang Tiger Reserve is bordered by three rivers:
1. Pachnoi River
2. Dhanshiri River
3. Belsiri River
10. Flora: Rosewood, jackfruit, silk cotton tree, Indian gooseberry, brahmi, Grasslands etc.
11. Fauna: Tiger, Great Indian One-horned Rhinoceros, Asian Elephant, Wild Water Buffalo, Pigmy Hog, Great Pied Hornbill, Indian Roller, Assam Roofed Turtle, Bengal Monitor Lizard etc.
12. Orang Tiger Reserve is the only stronghold of One-horned Rhinoceros on the north bank of the Brahmaputra river.

4. Kaziranga Tiger Reserve

1. Kaziranga Tiger Reserve is located in the Golaghat, Karbi Anglong and Nagaon districts of Assam in India.
2. The Kaziranga Tiger Reserve is primarily known for its Indian one-horned rhinoceros population.
3. In 1950, Kaziranga was designated as a wildlife sanctuary, primarily to protect the Indian one-horned rhinoceros.
4. In 1974, it was declared a national park.
5. In 1985, Kaziranga National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
6. In 2008-09, Kaziranga was declared a tiger reserve, known as Kaziranga Tiger Reserve.
7. Area: Kaziranga Tiger Reserve spans an area of:
1. Core area : 482.0385 sq km
2. Buffer area : 573.8555 sq km
3. Total : 1055.894 sq km
8. River: Diphlu River, also known as the Diffalu River is a tributary of the Brahmaputra River and flows through the core area of the reserve. In addition to the Diphlu River, another tributary called the Moradifalu flows along the southern boundary of the reserve.
9. Flora: Some of the prominent vegetation types found in Kaziranga:
1. Eastern Wet Alluvial Grasslands,
2. Assam Alluvial Plains Semi-Evergreen Forests (Bombax ceiba, Dillenia indica, Lagerstroemia speciosa, and Ficus species),
3. Tropical Moist Mixed Deciduous Forests (Terminalia arjuna, Lagerstroemia parviflora, Albizia procera, and Tectona grandis),
4. Sandy “Chaurs”.
10. Fauna: Tiger, Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros, Eastern Swamp Deer, Asian Elephant, Wild Water Buffalo, Hoolock Gibbon, Capped Langur, Gangetic River Dolphin, Great Indian Hornbill, Bengal Florican, Bengal Monitor, Common Indian Monitor, Assam Roofed Turtle etc.
11. Kaziranga sanctuary hosts two-thirds of the world’s great One-horned Rhinoceroses.
12. Kaziranga has the largest population of the Wild Water Buffalo anywhere accounting for about 57% of the world population.

Kerala Tiger Reserves UPSC

Kerala has 2 designated tiger reserves.

1. Periyar Tiger Reserve

1. Periyar Tiger Reserve is located in the Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts of Kerala in India.
2. The reserve is named after the Periyar River.
3. In 1934, Maharaja of Travancore declared the area as a wildlife sanctuary.
4. In 1950, it was founded as Nellikkampatty Reserve and consolidated as a wildlife sanctuary after the political integration of India.
5. In 1978, the Government of India declared the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary as a tiger reserve.
6. In 1991, Periyar Tiger Reserve was included in Project Elephant.
7. In 2018, Periyar Tiger Reserve bagged the title of the Best managed Tiger Reserve among 50 Tiger Reserves in the country in terms of Management Effectiveness Assessment by National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
8. Area: The Periyar Tiger Reserve covers an total area of approximately 925 square kilometers (357 square miles).
1. Core: 881 square kilometers
2. Buffer Zone: 44 square kilometers
3. Total Area: 925 square kilometers
9. Hills: Periyar Tiger Reserve is situated in the Cardamom Hills and Pandalam Hills of the Southern Western Ghats.
10. River: Pamba, Mullayar and Periyar river flow through the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The major portion of the Reserve forms the catchment of River Periyar and the rest is that of River Pamba.
11. Lake: Periyar Lake loacted in the tiger reserve. It is an artificial lake created by the construction of the Mullaperiyar Dam.
12. Tribe: Major tribal communities found within the Periyar Tiger Reserve:
1. Mannans
2. Paliyans
3. Malayarayans
4. Mala Pandarams
5. Uralis
6. Ulladans
13. Flora: Tropical Evergreen Forests, Semi-Evergreen Forests, Moist Deciduous Forests, Transitional Fringe Evergreen Forests, Grasslands, Eucalyptus Plantations etc.
14. Fauna: Tiger, Elephant, Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Tahr, Indian Bison, Nilgiri Langur, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Monitor Lizards etc.

2. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve

1. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is located in Palakkad and Thrissur districts of Kerala, India.
2. It is part of the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
3. In 1973, the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary was established under the Kerala Forest Act, 1961.
4. In 2009, the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary was upgraded to the status of a Tiger Reserve.
5. Area: The reserve spans an area of about 643 square kilometers (248 square miles).
1. Core: 390.89 Km2
2. Buffer: 252.77 Km2
3. Total: 643.66 Km2
6. River: Some of the prominent rivers in the reserve are:
1. Parambikulam River
2. Thunakadavu River
3. Peruvaripallam River
7. Lake: Major man-made reservoirs in the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve are:
1. Parambikulam Reservoir
2. Thunacadavu Reservoir (Thunakkadavu)
3. Peruvaripallam Reservoir
8. Tribe: Tribes residing in the reserve are:
1. Kadar
2. Malasar
3. Muduvar
4. Mala Malasar
9. Flora: Evergreen Forests (Indian cinnamon,Ceylon ironwood, white dammar, and gurjan), Moist Deciduous Forests (teak, Indian laurel, crepe myrtle, and anjan), Shola Forests, Grasslands etc.
10. Fauna: Tigers, Lion-tailed Macaques, Nilgiri Tahr, Elephants, Dhole, Sambar, Nilgiri Langurs, Sloth Bears, Nilgiri Marten, Gaur, Great Pied Hornbill, Western Ghats Flying Lizard, Malabar Pit Viper etc.

Tamil Nadu Tiger Reserves UPSC

Tamil Nadu has five tiger reserves.

1. Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

1. Mudumalai Tiger Reserve is located in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu state in India.
2. It is situated at the tri-junction of three states, viz, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
3. It is part of the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
4. In 1857, the British Government rented the Mudumalai forest from the Raja of Neelambur for logging purposes.
5. In 1940, Mudumalai forest was established as the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary.
6. In 1986, the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary was incorporated into the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which is the first biosphere reserve in India.
7. In 1990, the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary was designated as Mudumalai National Park.
8. In 2007, Mudumalai National Park was designated as a tiger reserve under Project Tiger.
9. Area: The Mudumalai Tiger Reserve covers an approximate area of 321 square kilometers (124 square miles).
1. Core: 321.00 km2
2. Buffer: 367.59 km2
3. Total: 688.59 km2
10. Hills: The Mudumalai Tiger Reserve is located in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu. The Nilgiri Hills are part of the Western Ghats.
11. River: The Moyar River flows through the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve.
12. Tribe: Some of the prominent tribal communities found in and around the tiger reserve are:
1. Todas
2. Kurumbas
3. Irulas
13. Flora: Semi-evergreen Forests, Moist Deciduous Forests, Dry Deciduous Forests, Scrub Forests, Swampy Areas (Vayals), Grasslands etc.
14. Fauna: Tiger, Asian Elephant, Indian Gaur, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Malabar Trogon, Indian Chameleon, Monitor Lizard etc.

2. Anamalai Tiger Reserve

1. Anaimalai Tiger Reserve is located in the Anaimalai Hills of Pollachi and Valparai taluks of Coimbatore District and Udumalaipettai taluk in Tiruppur District, Tamil Nadu, India.
2. It was earlier known as Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park.
3. In 1976, the Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary was established.
4. In 2003, Anamalai Parambikulam Elephant Reserve was created. The tiger reserve forms part of the Anamalai Parambikulam Elephant Reserve.
5. In 2007, the Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary was upgraded to the status of a tiger reserve under the Project Tiger.
6. Area: The Anamalai Tiger Reserve covers an area of approximately 958 square kilometers (369 square miles).
1. Core: 958.59 sq km
2. Buffer: 521.28 sq km
3. Total: 1479.87 sq km
7. Hills: The Anamalai Tiger Reserve is located in the Anaimalai Hills, also known as the Anamalai Hills or Elephant Hills. These hills are part of the Western Ghats mountain range.
8. River: Some of the major rivers that flow through the Anamalai Tiger Reserve are:
1. Bhavani River
2. Nallar River
3. Attakallar River
4. Thirumurthy River
5. Sholiyar River
6. Aliyar River
9. Tribe: Some of the tribes that reside within or near the Anamalai Tiger Reserve are:
1. Kadars
2. Malasars
3. Malaimalasar
4. Pulaiyars
5. Muduvars
6. Eravallan (Eravalar)
10. Flora: Evergreen Forests (teak, rosewood, ebony, and ironwood), Moist Deciduous Forests (Indian laurel, Indian kino tree, and Indian rosewood), Bamboo, Grasslands, Orchids etc.
11. Fauna: Tiger, Leopard, Asiatic elephant, Sambar, Spotted deer, Gaur, Nilgiri tahr, Lion Tailed Macaque, Nilgiri langur, Sloth bear, Nilgiri marten, Malabar Woodshrike, Nilgiri Flowerpecker, Nilgiri forest lizard.
12. The Anamalai Tiger Reserve is known for its enchanting displays of fireflies. Fireflies are bioluminescent insects that emit light, creating a mesmerizing natural spectacle.

3. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve

1. The Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve is located in the Erode District of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu in southern India.
2. The reserve is situated at the confluence of the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats.
3. The tiger reserve is a part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
4. In 2008, the Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary was established.
5. In 2013, the sanctuary was upgraded to the status of a tiger reserve.
6. In 2022, Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve bags the prestigious TX2 Awards after its tiger number doubled to 80 since 2010.
7. Area: The Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve is spread across an area of approximately 1408.405 square kilometers (543.509 square miles).
1. Core area : 793.49331 sq km
2. Buffer area : 614.91210 sq km
3. Total : 1408.405 Sq.km
8. River: Bhavani River flows through the reserve. It originates in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu and flows eastward, passing through the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve before eventually joining the Kaveri River.
9. Lake: One such notable lake near the tiger reserve is the Bhavanisagar Reservoir (Bhavani Dam).
10. Tribe: The tiger reserve is home to Irula and Soliga tribes.
11. The Sathyamangalam forests have had historical associations with Veerappan, a notorious criminal and bandit.
12. Flora: 
1. Dry Deciduous Forests (Teak, Terminalia, Sandalwood, Indian Rosewood, Indian kino tree, and Anogeissus latifolia), 
2. Thorny Scrub (Acacia nilotica, Acacia leucophloea, and Ziziphus species), 
3. Riverine Forests (Indian Elm, Indian Gooseberry, and Bamboo species), 
4. Grasslands etc.
13. Fauna: Tiger, Asian Elephant, Leopard, Gaur, Panther, Sloth Bear, Gaur, Spotted Deer, Dhole, Black Napped Hare, Indian Eagle-Owl, Indian Vulture, Mugger Crocodile.

4. Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

1. Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve is located in Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu.
2. It consists of the Kanyakumari Wildlife sanctuary and the Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary.
3. It is a part of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve.
4. In 1962, the Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary was established and declared as Nation’s first Tiger Sanctuary.
5. In 1976, the Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary was established. It was primarily created to protect the endangered Lion-tailed Macaques (Macaca silenus).
6. In 1988, both the Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary and Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary were merged to form the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve.
7. It was declared as the “First Tiger Reserve of Tamil Nadu” and the 17th Tiger Reserve of the country.
8. Area: The Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve spans a total area of 1601.542 square kilometers.
1. Core: 895.000 sq.km
2. Buffer: 706.542 sq.km
3. Total: 1601.542 sq.km
9. River: This tiger reserve also known as the “River Sanctuary. Among the notable rivers flowing through the reserve are:
1. Thambraparani
2. Ramanadi
3. Karayar
4. Servalar
5. Manimuthar
6. Pachayar
7. Kodaiyar
8. Gadananathi
9. Kallar
10. Flora: 
1. West Coast Tropical Evergreen Forests (rosewood, teak, ebony, and bamboo), 
2. Southern Dry Mixed Deciduous Forests (teak, jackfruit, neem, and Indian laurel), 
3. Southern Moist Mixed Deciduous Forests (white cedar, Indian gooseberry, and flame of the forest), 
4. Ochlandra Reed Brakes, 
5. Tropical Riparian Fringing Forests (cluding ficus, Indian beech, and fig trees), 
6. Montane Wet Grassland etc.
11. Fauna: Tiger, Asian Elephant, Leopard, Lion Tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Tahr, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Sloth Bear, Indian Gaur, Nilgiri Pipit, Indian Rock Python, Monitor Lizards etc.

5. Srivilleiputhura Meghmalai Tiger Reserve (51st Tiger Reserve in India)

1. Srivilleiputhura Meghmalai Tiger Reserve is located in Megamalai in Theni district of Tamil Nadu, India.
2. In 2021, the Srivilleiputhura Meghmalai Tiger Reserve was declared as a Tiger Reserve.
3. This tiger reserve was formed by combining the Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary and the adjoining Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary.
4. It is the 51st tiger reserve in India and 5th Tiger Reserve of Tamil Nadu state.
5. Area: Srivilleiputhura Meghmalai Tiger Reserve has a total area of approximately 1016.57 square kilometers.
1. Core area: 641. 86 km2
2. Buffer area: 374.70 km2
3. Total area: 1016.57 km2
6. River: The Vaigai River passes through Srivilleiputhura Meghmalai Tiger Reserve.
7. Flora: Tropical Evergreen Forests, Semi-evergreen Forests, Dry Deciduous Forests, Moist Mixed Deciduous Forests, Grassland etc.
8. Fauna: Tiger, Asian Elephants, Indian Gaur, Grizzled Giant Squirrel, Leopard, Sloth Bears, Nilgiri Tahrs, Great Indian Hornbill, Malabar Pit Viper, Monitor Lizard etc.

Karnataka Tiger Reserves UPSC

Karnataka has 5 tiger reserves.

1. Bandipur Tiger Reserve

1. Bandipur Tiger Reserve is located in Mysore and Chamarajanagar districts of Karnataka, India.
2. It is situated at the tri-junction area of the States Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala in India.
3. In 1931, Bandipur was initially established as a wildlife sanctuary by the Maharaja of Mysore.
4. In 1973, Bandipur was designated as a tiger reserve.
5. In 1985, by including adjacent areas from Venugopala Wildlife Park, Bandipur Tiger Reserve was enlargednand named as Bandipur National Park.
6. In 1986, Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve was estbalished by the government of India. Bandipur Tiger Reserve is a part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
7. In 2000, Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve was included in World Network of Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
8. Area: The total area of the Bandipur Tiger Reserve is 1456.309 square kilometers (562.156 square miles).
1. Core/critical tiger habitat: 872.24 sq km
2. Buffer/peripheral : 118.279 sq.km.
3. Forest Area : 465.79 sq.km.
4. Non Forest Area : (Total 584.069 sq.km.)
5. Total : 1456.309 sq. kms.
9. Hills: Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta is a prominent hill located in the reserve and the highest peak within the Bandipur Tiger Reserve area.
10. River: Bandipur Tiger Reserve is located between the Kabini river in the north and the Moyar river in the south.
11. Lake: Kabini Reservoir located within tiger reserve. The Kabini Reservoir is a man-made water body formed by the construction of the Kabini Dam on the Kabini River.
12. Tribe: One of the prominent tribal communities in the region is the Soliga tribe, also known as the Sholaga or Sholiga.
13. Flora: Rosewood, Indian Kino Tree, Sandalwood, Indian Laurel, Bamboo etc.
14. Fauna: Tiger, Indian Elephant, Indian Leopard, Gaur, Sloth Bear, Golden Jackal, Dhole, Sambar Deer, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Indian Pitta, Indian Rock Python, Monitor Lizard, Mugger Crocodile etc.

2. Bhadra Tiger Reserve

1. Bhadra Tiger Reserve is located in Chikmagalur district and Shimoga district of Karnataka, India.
2. In 1951, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
3. was established under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
4. In 1998, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary was declared as a tiger reserve.
5. Area: Bhadra Tiger Reserve covers an area of approximately 500.16 square kilometers (193.11 square miles).
1. Core: 500.16 Sq kms
2. Buffer area : 571.84 Sq kms
3. Total : 1072.00 Sq kms
6. Hills: Some of hills and ranges located within tiger reserve:
1. Lakkavalli Range
2. Muthodi Range
3. Mullayanagiri
4. Gangegiri
5. Hebbegiri
6. Baba Budangiri Ranges
7. River: The Bhadra Tiger Reserve is named after the Bhadra River, which flows through the tiger reserve.
8. Lake: Bhadra Reservoir or Bhadra Lake situated within the tiger reserve. The reservoir is created by the Bhadra River through the construction of the Bhadra Dam.
9. Tribe: The reserve area is inhabited by the Soliga tribe.
10. Flora: Southern Moist Mixed Deciduous Forests (Terminalia tomentosa, Lagerstroemia lanccolata, Termmalia paniculata), Southern Dry Mixed Deciduous Forests(Pterocarpus marsupium, Grewia tilifolia, Bambusa arundinacea, Dendrocalamus strictus), Sholas etc.
11. Fauna: Tiger, Leopard, Leopard Cat, Dhole, Indian Civet, Gaur, Sambar, Barking Deer, Grey Junglefowl, Red Spurfowl, King Cobra, Marsh Crocodiles etc.

3. Kali Tiger Reserve

1. The Kali Tiger Reserve is located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India.
2. It was earlier known as Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve.
3. In 1956, the Government of Karnataka declared the area as a wildlife sanctuary.
4. In 1987, the Anshi National Park was officially established.
5. In 2007, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary and Anshi National Park were together granted the status of tiger reserve, as ‘ Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve’ under Project Tiger.
6. In 2015, Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve was renamed to Kali Tiger Reserve. The change of name was to bring focus and awareness to Kali River.
7. Area: The Kali Tiger Reserve spans a total area of 1,345.7167 square kilometers (520.1348 square miles).
1. Core: 814.884 Sq. Kms.
2. Buffer: 530.8327 Sq. Kms.
3. Total: 1345.7167 Sq. Kms.
8. River: Kali Tiger Reserve is named after the Kali River, which flows through the reserve.
9. Flora: South Indian Moist Deciduous Teak Forests (teakt, Lagerstroemia, Terminalia, and Pterocarpus), Southern Moist Mixed Deciduous Forests: (Terminalia, Palaquium, Hopea, and Dipterocarpus), West Coast Semi-evergreen Forests (Dipterocarpus, Mesua, Cullenia, and Calophyllum), Bamboo etc.
10. Fauna: Tiger, Black Panther, Leopard, Elephant, Bison, Wild Dog, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Sloth Bear, Malabar Pied Hornbill, King Cobra, Monitor Lizard etc.
11. Kali Tiger Reserve is home to rare Black Panthers.

4. Nagarhole Tiger Reserve

1. Nagarhole Tiger Reserve is located in Kodagu and Mysore district of Karnataka in India.
2. It is also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park.
3. It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
4. In 1955, Nagarhole was declared a wildlife sanctuary.
5. In 1988, the sanctuary declared as a Nagarhole National Park.
6. In 1999, Nagarhole National Park was declared a tiger reserve as part of the Project Tiger initiative.
7. In 2000, Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve was recognized by UNESCO as a World Network of Biosphere Reserves. The tiger reserve is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
8. Area: Nagarhole Tiger Reserve spans an area of approximately 643 square kilometers (248 square miles).
1. Core: 643.35 sq. km
2. Buffer: Forest: 200.57 sq. km
3. Buffer: – Non-Forest: 361.84 sq. km
4. Total: 1205.76 Sq.km.
9. River: The Nagarahole River flows through the tiger reserve, and joins the Kabini River. The Kabini River forms a natural boundary between Nagarhole Tiger Reserve and the Bandipur National Park.
10. Lake: Water bodies found in the reserve are:
1. Kabini Reservoir
2. Taraka Reservoir
11. Flora: 
1. Dry Deciduous Forests (teak, rosewood, sandalwood, Indian kino tree, Indian gooseberry, and Indian laurel), 
2. Tropical Moist Forests (bamboo, silver oak, Indian Kino tree, black dammar, and ficus), 
3. Semi-Evergreen Forests (Honne, Karanj, Nandi, and Eucalyptus), 
4. Grasslands and Swamps etc.
12. Fauna: Tiger, Asian Elephants, Chital, Indian Mouse Deer, Gaur, Asian Wild Dog, Leopard, Sloth Bear, White-rumped Vulture, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Indian Monitor, Mugger Crocodile etc.

5. Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Tiger Reserve

1. The Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve is located in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka State.
2. This unique Bio-geographical habitat is in the middle of the bridge between Western and Eastern ghats in South India.
3. It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
4. In 1974, the area surrounding the Biligiri Ranganatha Swamy Temple was declared a wildlife sanctuary.
5. In 2011, the wildlife sanctuary was upgraded to the status of a tiger reserve, becoming the Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Tiger Reserve.
6. Area: The Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Tiger Reserve covers an area of approximately 574.82 square kilometers (221.99 square miles).
1. Core Area : 359.10 sq kms
2. Buffer Area : 215.72 sq kms
3. Total : 574.82 sq kms
7. Hills: The Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Tiger Reserve is located in the Biligiri Ranganatha Hills, which are part of the Eastern Ghats mountain range.
8. Flora: 
1. Southern Tropical Evergreen Forests (Anogeissus latifolia, Dalbergia paniculata,Terminalia alata and Syzygium cumini), 
2. Southern Tropical Semi-evergreen Forests (Buchanania lanzan, Careya arborea, and Sterculia villosa), 
3. Southern Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests (Cassia fistula, Boswellia serrata, Lagerstroemia parviflora, and Pterocarpus marsupium) etc.
9. Fauna: Tiger, Leopard, Wild dog, Lesser cat, Sloth Bear, Elephant, Gaur, Sambhar, Spotted Deer, Yellow Throated Bulbul, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Malabar Pit Viper, Monitor Lizards etc.

Telangana Tiger Reserves UPSC

Telangana has 2 designated tiger reserve.

1. Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve

1. The Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve is spread over Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
2. The tiger reserve covers parts of the following districts:
1. Kurnool district (Andhra Pradesh)
2. Prakasam district (Andhra Pradesh)
3. Guntur district (Andhra Pradesh)
4. Nalgonda district (Telangana)
5. Mahbubnagar district (Telangana)
3. Kawal Tiger Reserve
4. Kawal Tiger Reserve is located in the Adilabad district of the Indian state of Telangana.
5. In 1965, Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary was established.
6. In 1999, Kawal wildlife sanctuary declared as the Protected Area (PA) under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
7. In 2012, Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary was officially declared a tiger reserve.
8. Area: The Kawal Tiger Reserve covers an area of approximately 1015 square kilometers.
1. Core: 892.23 sq. km.
2. Buffer: 123.12 sq. km.
3. Total Area: 1015.35 sq. kms.
9. River: The Kadam River flows through the tiger reserve.
10. Flora: Teak, Bamboo, Axlewood, Terminalia crenulata, Terminalia arjuna, Indian frankincense, Indian almond, Sterculia etc.
11. Fauna: Tiger, Leopard, Chinkara, Blackbuck, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Jungle Cat, Greater Coucal, White-bellied Drongo, Brown Fish Owl, Common Kingfisher, Indian Rock Python, Common Monitor Lizard etc.

2. Amrabad Tiger Reserve

1. Amrabad Tiger Reserve is located in Nagarkurnool and Nalgonda districts of Telangana State in India. Almost 90% of the Amrabad Tiger Reserve is located within Nagarkurnool district.
2. Prior to its establishment as a separate tiger reserve, the Amrabad area was a part of the larger Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR).
3. In 1983, the NSTR was notified as a tiger reserve.
4. In 2014, Following the bifurcation of the state of Andhra Pradesh, the northern part of the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve was transferred to the newly formed state of Telangana. This portion of the reserve was then renamed as the Amrabad Tiger Reserve under the Project Tiger initiative.
5. Area: It spans an area of approximately 2,611 square kilometers. It is India’s second-largest tiger reserve, next only to Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana).
6. Hills: It is situated in the Nallamala Hills of the Eastern Ghats.
7. River: The river Krishna flows through the Amrabad Tiger Reserve.
8. Tribe: The main tribal groups found in and around the reserve include:
1. Chenchu Tribe
2. Lambadas/Banjara
9. Flora: Southern Tropical Dry Mixed Deciduous Forest (teak, Terminalia species, Pterocarpus species, Lagerstroemia species etc.), Deccan Thorn Scrub Forests (Acacia species, Ziziphus species, Prosopis species, and various cacti) etc.
10. Fauna: Tiger, Indian Leopard, Sloth Bear, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Indian Pangolin, Indian Roller, Indian Grey Hornbill, Indian Rock Python, Common Indian Krait, Indian Sand Boa etc.

Andhra Pradesh Tiger Reserves UPSC

Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve is the only tiger reserve in Andhra Pradesh.

Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve

1. The Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve is spread over multiple districts in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The tiger reserve covers parts of the following districts:
1. Kurnool district (Andhra Pradesh)
2. Prakasam district (Andhra Pradesh)
3. Guntur district (Andhra Pradesh)
4. Nalgonda district (Telangana)
5. Mahbubnagar district (Telangana)
2. The reserve is named after the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, which is situated on the Krishna River, and the Srisailam Dam, which is located on the Krishna River as well.
3. In 1978, Nagarjunasagar Srisailam was notified as a wildlife sanctuary.
4. In 1983, it was declared a tiger reserve under the Project Tiger program.
5. In 1992, the reserve was renamed as the Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary.
6. Area: It overs an area of about 5,937 square kilometers and the largest tiger reserves in India.
1. Core/ Critical Tiger Habitat : 3721 Sq. Km.
2. Buffer / Peripheral area : 2216 Sq. Km.
3. Total : 5937 Sq. km.
7. Hills: The Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve is situated in hill ranges of Nallamalais, which are an offshoot of the Eastern Ghats mountain range.
8. River: The Krishna River passes through the tiger reserve.
9. Lake: The Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve includes two significant reservoirs:
1. Srisailam Reservoir
2. Nagarjunasagar Reservoir
10. Waterfalls: Some of the prominent waterfalls within the reserve include:
1. Ethipothala Falls
2. Pedda Dukudu
3. Gundam
4. Chaleswaram
11. Tribe: One of the prominent tribes in the tiger reserve is the Chenchu tribe.
12. Flora: Southern Tropical Dry Mixed Deciduous Forest (teak, anogeissus, Terminalia, Pterocarpus, and Albizia), Deccan Thorn Scrub Forest (Acacia, Ziziphus, Prosopis), Riparian Forests (Terminalia, Syzygium, Ficus, and bamboo species), Grasslands etc.
13. Fauna: Tiger, Leopard, Wolf, Wild Dog, Sambar, Chital, Chinkara, Porcupine, Indian Pitta, Pied Kingfisher, Indian Rock Python, Monitor Lizard, Mugger Crocodile, Indian Star Tortoise etc.

West Bengal Tiger Reserves UPSC

West Bengal has 2 designated tiger reserve.

1. Buxa Tiger Reserve

1. Buxa Tiger Reserve is located in the Alipurduar Sub-division of Jalpaiguri District, in the state of West Bengal, India.
2. It lies in the Gangetic Plains with the Himalayas bordering it.
3. The northern boundary of Buxa Tiger Reserve runs along the international border with Bhutan. The Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary of Bhutan is contiguous to the north of Buxa Tiger Reserve.
4. The Buxa Tiger Reserve is serves as an international corridor for Asian elephant migration between India and Bhutan.
5. The reserve is famous for the ruins of the historic Buxa Fort, which was once used as a detention camp during the Indian independence movement.
6. Buxa was famous for dolomite mining.
7. In 1983, Buxa Tiger Reserve was established. It is the 15th tiger reserve of India.
8. In 1992, Buxa Tiger Reserve was declared as a National Park.
9. Area: The reserve covers an area of approximately 760 square kilometers (293 square miles).
1. Core/Critical Tiger Habitat : 390.58 sq km
2. Buffer : 370.29 sq km
3. Total : 760.87 sq km
10. Hills: The tiger reserve is situated in the Buxa Hills. The Sinchula hill range lies all along the northern side of the tiger reserve.
11. River: Some of the rivers and streams that flow through reserve include:
1. Sankosh River
2. Raidak River
3. Jayanti River
4. Churnia River
5. Turturi River
6. Phashkhawa River
7. Dima River
8. Nonani River
12. Tribe: Dukpa tribe is one of the most ancient groups in the region.
13. Flora: Sal Tree, Bamboo, Teak, Simul Tree, Kusum Tree, Mahua Tree, Orchids etc.
14. Fauna: Tiger, Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Sloth Bear, Fishing Cat, Hyaena, Marbled Cat, Golden Cat, Elephant, Gaur, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Hill Myna, Crested Serpent Eagle, Great Indian Hornbill, King Cobra, Russel’s Viper etc.
15. The Rajabhatkhawa Vulture Breeding Center, located in the vicinity of Buxa Tiger Reserve. It was established with the aim of breeding and conserving the endangered Indian vultures.

2. Sunderban Tiger Reserve

1. Sundarbans Tiger Reserve is located in the coastal districts of West Bengal, i.e. South 24- Parganas and part in North 24-Parganas (Arbesi Block only).
2. It is situated in the Sundarbans delta, formed by the confluence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers.
3. The Sundarbans Tiger Reserve is bound on the east by the international boundary with Bangladesh.
4. In 1973, the Sunderban was designated as a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger.
5. In 1977, the Sundarbans Reserve Forest was designated as a wildlife sanctuary.
6. In 1984, Sundarbans Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a National Park.
7. In 1987, Sundarbans National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
8. In 1989, Sunderbans declared as a biosphere reserve by government of India
9. In 2001, UNESCO designated the Sunderbans as a UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
10. In 2019, Sunderban Wetland was recognized as the Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.
11. Area: The Sunderbans Tiger Reserve covers an area of approximately 2,585 square kilometers.
1. Core/Critical Tiger Habitat : 1699.62 sq km
2. Buffer Area : 885.27
3. Total Area : 2584.89
12. River: The Sundarbans Tiger Reserve is traversed by several rivers, including:
1. Ganges River (Hooghly River)
2. Matla River
3. Bidyadhari River
4. Raimangal River
5. Harinbhanga River
13. Flora: Mangroves (Sundar, Gewa, Goran, Keora etc.), Shrubs (Nypa palm etc.), Non-Halophytic Non-Mangrove Associates (Indian almond, Indian rosewood etc.), Halophytic Herbs, Shrubs, Weeds, and Epiphytes etc.
14. Fauna: Tiger, Fishing Cat, Gangetic Dolphin, Irrawady Dolphin, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Brahminy Kite, Estuarine Crocodile, King Cobra, Water Monitor Lizard, Olive Ridley, Green Sea Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle etc.

Odisha Tiger Reserves UPSC

Odisha has 2 designated tiger reserve. Here is the tiger reserve in Odisha:

1. Satkosia Tiger Reserve

1. Satkosia Tiger Reserve is located in the Angul, Cuttack, Boudh and Nayagarh district of Odisha, India.
2. The reserve is situated along the banks of the Mahanadi River and is nestled within the Eastern Ghats mountain range.
3. The reserve is lying in a transitional zone extending between the Chhota Nagpur Plateau and the Deccan Plateau.
4. In 1976, Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary was established.
5. In 2007, Satkosia Tiger Reserve was officially designated as a protected area under the Project Tiger initiative.
6. Area: The Satkosia Tiger Reserve covers a total area of 963.87 square kilometer. The area comprises two adjoining sanctuaries as Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary and Baisipalli Sanctuary. Core area of the reserve is a part of the Mahanadi Elephant Reserve.
1. Core/critical tiger habitat : 523.61 Sq.kms.
2. Buffer/peripheral area : 440.26Sq.kms.
3. Total : 963.87
7. River: The reserve is nestled along the banks of the Mahanadi River.
8. Tribe: Kondh tribe is one of the prominent tribe in the vicinity of Satkosia Tiger Reserve.
9. Flora: Asan, Dhaura, Bamboo, Simal, Teak etc.
10. Fauna: Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Chowsingha, Bison, Wild Dog, Sloth Bear, Indian Pitta, Red Junglefowl, Indian Python, Fresh Water Crocodile, Gharial etc.

2. Simlipal Tiger Reserve

1. Similipal Tiger Reserve is located within the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha in India.
2. The Simlipal Tiger Reserve is named after the Semul or red silk cotton trees (Bombax ceiba) that are found abundantly in the region.
3. In 1956, Similipal was formally designated a tiger reserve in 1956.
4. In 1973, the tiger reserve brought under Project Tiger.
5. In 1979, Simlipal was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1979.
6. In 1980, It was upgraded to a national park
7. In 1994, Similipal Tiger Reserve area was declared a Biosphere Reserve by the Government of India.
8. In 2009, Similipal Biosphere Reserve is recognized as a biosphere reserve under the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Program.
9. Area: The total area of Simlipal Tiger Reserve is approximately 2,750 square kilometers (1,060 square miles).
1. Core: 1194.75 square kilometers
2. BufferArea: 1555.25 square kilometers
10. Hills: Simlipal Tiger Reserve is located in the eastern end of the Eastern Ghats mountain range. The highest peaks within the tiger reserve are Khairiburu and Meghashini, which are twin peaks with an elevation of 1,515 meters (4,970 feet).
11. River: Some of the prominent rivers that flow through the tiger reserve are:
1. Burhabalanga River
2. Palpala Bandan River
3. Salandi River
4. Kahairi River
5. Deo River
12. Waterfalls: Prominent waterfalls within the reserve are:
1. Joranda Falls
2. Barehipani Falls
13. Tribe: Simlipal Tiger Reserve is inhabited by various tribal communities. Some of the prominent tribes found in the region include:
1. Kolha
2. Santhal
3. Bhumija
4. Bhatudi
5. Gondas
6. Khadia
7. Mankadia
8. Sahara
14. Flora: Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest (sal, asan, simal, mahua), Tropical Semievergreen Forest (garjan, haldinia, kusum), Dry Deciduous Hill Forests (sal, asan, amal, and bamboo species), Grassland and Savanna etc.
15. Fauna: Tiger, Leopard, Leopard Cat, Hyaena, Elephants, Indian Bison, Sambar, Chital, Giant Squirrel, Jungle Fowl, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Mugger Crocodile.
16. Simlipal has the world’s highest rate of black tiger sightings in the world. Black tigers were first officially recorded in the forests of Similipal in 1975-76.

Maharashtra Tiger Reserves UPSC

Maharashtra is home to 5 tiger reserves that aimed at the conservation and protection of Bengal tigers.

1. Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve

1. Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is located in the Chandrapur district of the state of Maharashtra in India.
2. In 1955, The forests of Tadoba was initially declared as a Tadoba National Park.
3. In 1986, Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary was formed.
4. In 1993, Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary, which adjoined the Tadoba National Park, was merged with it to form the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve.
5. In 1995, Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve was officially notified as a tiger reserve under the Wildlife Protection Act of India.
6. Area: Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is spread across a total area of 1,727.17 square kilometers (667.97 square miles).
1. Core/ Critical Tiger habitat : 625.40 sq.km.
2. Buffer/ peripheral area : 1101.77 sq.km.
3. Total : 1727.17 sq.km.
7. Hills: Here is some notable hills within the reserve:
1. Chimur Hills
2. Moharli Hills
3. Kolsa Hills
8. River: Andhari River flows through the tiger reserve.
9. Lake: Some notable lake in reserve:
1. Tadoba Lake
2. Kolsa Lake
3. Erai Reservoir
10. Tribe: Some of the prominent tribes associated with the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve are:
1. Gond Tribe
2. Kolam Tribe
3. Andh Tribe
11. Flora: Teak, Ain, Bamboo, Bija, Dhaoda, Haldu, Salai, Semal etc.
12. Fauna: Bengal Tiger, Indian leopards, Sloth Bears, Gaur, Dhole, Striped Hyena, Sambar, Barking Deer, Chital, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Indian Pitta, Marsh Crocodile, Common Indian Monitor, Indian Star Tortoise etc.

2. Melghat Tiger Reserve

1. The Melghat Tiger Reserve is located in the Amravati district of Maharashtra, India.
2. It is situated in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra.
3. The reserve is named after the Melghat Hills, which are part of the Satpura Mountain Range.
4. In 1973, the Melghat Wildlife Sanctuary was established.
5. In 1974, Melghat Wildlife Sanctuary was designated as a tiger reserve under the Project Tiger initiative.
6. Area: The Melghat Tiger Reserve covers an area of approximately 2,768 square kilometers.
1. Core/ Critical Tiger habitat : 1500.49 Sq.km
2. Buffer/ Peripheral area : 1268.03 Sq.km.
3. Total : 2768.52 Sq.km.
7. Hills: Gawilgarh Hill forms a part of the reserve’s boundary. Gawilgarh Fort situated on this hill.
8. River: The main rivers flowing through the Melghat Tiger Reserve include:
1. Tapti River
2. Sipna River
3. Dolar River
4. Khandu River
5. Khapra River
6. Gadga River
9. Tribe: The major tribal communities found in and around the tiger reserve include:
1. Korku Tribe
2. Gond Tribe
3. Bhil Tribe
10. Flora: Bija, Haldu, Saja, Dhawda, Ain, Moha, Tendu, Achar, Amla, Behada, Bhilwa, Bor, Mango, Khair, Jamun, Apta, Bel, Kulu etc.
11. Fauna: Tiger, Panther, Jungle Cat, Hyena, Wild Dog, Sloth Bear, Sambar, Chital, Gaur, Barking Deer, Blue Bull (Nilgai), Malabar Grey Hornbill, Paradise Flycatcher, Indian Rock Python, Russell’s Viper etc.

3. Sahyadri Tiger Reserve

1. Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is located in Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur and Ratnagiri districts of Maharashtra, India.
2. In 1985, the history of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve begins with the establishment of Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary.
3. In 2004, Chandoli National Park was created.
4. In 2008, Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary and the Chandoli National Park were merged to form the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve.
5. Area: The Sahyadri Tiger Reserve covers an approximate area of 1,165 square kilometers.
1. Core Area : 600.12 sq.kms.
2. Buffer Area : 565.45 sq.kms.
3. Total : 1165.56 Sq.Kms
6. Sadas: The most distinct feature of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is the presence of numerous barren rocky and lateritic plateaus, locally called “Sadas”.
7. Hills: The tiger reserve is situated in the Sahyadri mountain range of the Western Ghats.
8. River: Warna River flows through the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve.
9. Lake: The Chandoli Dam is located near the tiger reserve.
10. Flora: 
1. North Western Ghats Moist Deciduous Forests (Teak, Shisham, Ain, and Indian Rosewood), 
2. North Western Ghats Montane Rain Forests (Ironwood, Cullenia exarillata, and Hopea spp.), 
3. Western (Montane) Subtropical Hill Forests, 
4. West Coast Semi Evergreen Forests (Hopea parviflora, Terminalia spp., and Artocarpus spp.), 
5. Southern Moist Mixed Deciduous Forests (Lagerstroemia spp., Terminalia spp., and Pterocarpus marsupium) etc.
11. Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is the only place where climax and near-climax vegetations are plentiful.
12. Fauna: Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Wild Dog, Gaur, Sambar, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Indian Pitta, Indian Rock Python, Monitor Lizard etc.
13. The Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is famous for the Monitor Lizard (Varanus bengalensis).

4. Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve

1. Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve is located in the Bhandara and Gondia districts of Maharashtra, India.
2. In 1975, Navegaon Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary was established to protect the wildlife and the forested areas in the region. The sanctuary was formed by merging the Navegaon Wildlife Sanctuary and Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary.
3. In 2013, Navegaon Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a tiger reserve.
4. It is the 46th Tiger Reserve of India and 5th Tiger reserve of Maharashtra.
5. Area: Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve is approximately 653.67 square kilometers (252.42 square miles).
6. Hills: The highest point in tiger reserve is known as ‘Zenda Pahad’, which has an elevation of approximately 702 meters (2,303 feet) above sea level.
7. Lake: Two prominent lakes within the reserve are:
1. Navegaon Lake
2. Nagzira Lake
8. Flora: Saja, Crepe Myrtle, Dhawada, Indian Kino Tree, Tendu, Amaltas, Teak, Silk Cotton Tree, Anjan, Salai, Haldu, Takhian, Arjuna Tree, Jamun, Kusum, Harad etc.
9. Fauna: Tiger, Panther, Small Indian Civet, Wild Dog, Sloth Bear, Gaur, Sambar, Chital, Indian Grey Hornbill, Indian Pitta, Crested Serpent Eagle, Indian Rock Python, Indian Cobra, Indian Star Tortoise etc.
10. Recently a Black Panther) was spotted in Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve.

5. Bor Tiger Reserve

1. Bor Tiger Reserve is located in the Wardha district of Maharashtra, India.
2. In 1970, Bor Wildlife Sanctuary was initially established Wildlife Protection Act of India.
3. In 2014, the Bor Wildlife Sanctuary was upgraded to the status of a tiger reserve.
4. It is the 6th tiger reserve in Maharashtra and the 47th in the country.
5. 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.
6. It is the smallest tiger reserve in the country.
7. River: Bor river flow through the park.
8. Lake: Bor Dam or Bor Tiger Lake located within the reserve.
9. Flora: Teak, Ain, Tendu, Bamboo etc.
10. Fauna: Bengal Tiger, Indian leopard, Sloth Bear, Wild Dog, Indian Bison, Sambar Deer, White-rumped Vulture, Jungle Owlet, Indian Cobra, Monitor Lizard etc.