Tigers to Roar Again in Sahyadri Tiger Reserve: NTCA Approves Reintroduction of Big Cats

Sahyadri Tiger Reserve

• NTCA approval to reintroduce tigers in STR
• STR currently has no tigers as per 2022 NTCA report
• Rated “Very Good” in Management Effectiveness Evaluation despite no tigers

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has recently given approval to reintroduce eight tigers into the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR) in Maharashtra. This approval comes after the NTCA’s 2022 report on the Status of Tigers indicated that STR currently has no tigers based on camera trap surveys.

Despite having no tigers, STR was rated “Very Good” with 78.79% in the NTCA’s fifth cycle of final Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) in 2023. This positive evaluation is attributed to the presence of factors congenial for tigers like good habitat suitability, increasing prey density and ongoing efforts to improve wildlife management in the reserve. The lack of tigers prompted the NTCA to conceive a tiger reintroduction program in STR to revive the big cat population in this protected area.

Overview of Sahyadri Tiger Reserve

Location and Geography

• Located in Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur and Ratnagiri districts of Maharashtra
• Part of Sahyadri Mountain Range of Western Ghats
• Undulating terrain, rocky plateaus called “Sadas”

The Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is located in the western part of Maharashtra in the districts of Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur and Ratnagiri. It is situated in the biodiversity-rich Sahyadri Mountain Range, which is part of the mighty Western Ghats. The Western Ghats form a natural boundary between the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa.

The total area of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is around 1,165 square kilometers. It encompasses significant portions of the forested Sahyadri mountain range. The terrain in the reserve is undulating, marked by the presence of steep cliffs and escarpments along the western boundary.

One of the most distinct geographical features of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve are the numerous barren rocky and lateritic plateaus dotting the landscape. These unique landforms are referred to as ‘Sadas’ locally. The Sadas have sparse vegetation cover and are characterized by overhanging cliffs along the edges. Fallen boulders covered in dense thorny bushes are also a common sight in the Sadas of Sahyadri. The varied topography and unique Sadas lend a scenic beauty and ecological diversity to the tiger reserve.

History and Background

• Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary established in 1985
• Chandoli National Park created in 2004
• Merged in 2008 to form Sahyadri Tiger Reserve
• Expanded recently towards Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary

The Sahyadri Tiger Reserve has a history spanning over three decades. In 1985, the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary was established in the northern parts of Sahyadri mountain range. This sanctuary aimed to protect the rich biodiversity and forests of the Western Ghats region in Maharashtra.

Later in 2004, the Chandoli National Park was declared in the southern areas of the Sahyadri mountains. In order to strengthen wildlife conservation efforts, the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary and Chandoli National Park were merged in 2008 to constitute the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve.

Recently, the area of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve has been expanded southwards. Some parts of the Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary have been incorporated into the reserve. This expansion has enhanced the protected area network and tiger conservation prospects in the region.

Area

• Total area: 1,165 sq km
  • Core Area: 600 sq km
  • Buffer Area: 565 sq km

The total notified area of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is approximately 1,165 square kilometers. Out of this, about 600 square kilometers comprise the core critical tiger habitat.

The remaining 565 square kilometers constitute the buffer zone of the tiger reserve. The core area consisting of critical wildlife habitats is provided inviolate protection. The buffer zone promotes coexistence of wildlife conservation and regulated human activities.

The large protected area network of over 1,100 square kilometers makes the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve one of the biggest in Maharashtra and Western Ghats landscape.

Rivers

• Warna River flows through the reserve

The Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is home to the scenic Warna River which flows through major portions of the protected area. The Warna River originates in the dense forests of the Western Ghats and meanders its way through the tiger reserve across the districts of Sangli and Kolhapur in Maharashtra. It is one of the most important tributaries of the mighty Krishna River.

The presence of the Warna River enhances the natural beauty and ecological vitality of the Sahyadri landscape. It provides water source for wildlife residing in the reserve forests. The river fosters growth of riparian vegetation along its banks and supports rich aquatic biodiversity. The winding course of the Warna adds to the dynamic environment of the tiger reserve. The river plays a key role in sustaining the ecosystem health and scenic charm of the region.

Flora in Sahyadri Tiger Reserve

• Tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous forests
• Medicinal plants, fruit trees, timber yielding treesThe Sahyadri Tiger Reserve boasts a rich diversity of flora owing to its location in the biodiverse Western Ghats. The major vegetation types found here include tropical evergreen forests, semi-evergreen forests and moist deciduous forests.

The evergreen forests are marked by tall trees and dense canopy cover. The semi-evergreen forests have a mix of evergreen and deciduous tree species. The deciduous forests shed their leaves in the dry season.

In addition to natural forests, the reserve also harbors many medicinal plant species. Trees yielding commercially valuable timber such as Teak, Rosewood and Shisham are also found here. Fruit trees like Ziziphus rugosa and Emblica officinalis provide food for wildlife.

Fauna in Sahyadri Tiger Reserve

• Mammals: Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Barking Deer, Giant Squirrel etc.
• Birds: Malabar Whistling Thrush, Malabar Grey Hornbill etc.
• Reptiles: Indian Rock Python, Monitor Lizard etc.

The Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is home to an impressive diversity of animal species. Mammals found here include apex predators like Tiger, Leopard and Sloth Bear. Herbivores like the Barking Deer, Sambar and Four-horned Antelope are preyed upon by the big cats. Other mammals include Mouse Deer and the arboreal Giant Squirrel.

Over 200 species of birds inhabit the forests of Sahyadri. Distinctive birds like the Malabar Whistling Thrush and Malabar Grey Hornbill are seen here. Reptiles are also abundantly found, including rock pythons, cobras, Russell’s viper and the Monitor Lizard.

The presence of big cats like Tiger and Leopard makes Sahyadri a premier wildlife habitat. Conserving this incredible faunal diversity is crucial.

Tiger Conservation Efforts

• Tiger Recovery Program by NTCA
• Voluntary relocation of villages from core area
• Plans to reintroduce tigers and prey species

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has conceived the Tiger Recovery Program (TRP) for protected areas like Sahyadri Tiger Reserve which have lost their tiger population. Under this program, tigers will be reintroduced from source sites like Chandrapur to revive the big cat population.

As part of the recovery efforts, nearly 27 villages located inside the core critical tiger habitat have been voluntarily relocated from Sahyadri. Relocating human settlements helps create inviolate spaces for tigers.

The TRP also plans to reintroduce prey species like deer along with tigers. Augmenting prey density will support the reintroduced tiger population. The Tiger Recovery Program aims to restore tiger connectivity in the Western Ghats landscape.

Final thoughts

• STR has potential to support significant tiger population
• Corridor connectivity needed between Western Ghats
• Active management and monitoring required

The forests of Sahyadri Tiger Reserve have the potential to sustain a significant tiger population as they harbor sufficient prey density. But connectivity between protected areas of the Western Ghats needs to be secured through habitat corridors.

Active habitat management, protection against poaching and regular monitoring of tigers is required. With systematic conservation efforts, the majestic tiger can reclaim its rightful place in the wilderness of Sahyadri.