India has taken yet another significant step in tiger conservation by officially notifying the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh as the country’s 56th Tiger Reserve.
With an area spanning over 2,829 square kilometers, this tiger reserve has become the third largest in the country, underscoring India’s commitment to preserving its majestic big cats.
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Introduction
India is renowned for its tiger conservation efforts, leading the world in safeguarding these apex predators. Recently, the country reached another milestone by notifying the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh as the 56th tiger reserve. This achievement aligns with India’s commitment to biodiversity and wildlife protection.
About Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve
- Located in the heart of Chhattisgarh, this tiger reserve is spread across Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, Korea, Surajpur, and Balrampur districts.
- Encompassing a total area of 2,829.38 square kilometers, it features a core habitat of 2,049.2 sq. km and a buffer zone of 780.15 sq. km.
- The reserve integrates the Guru Ghasidas National Park and the Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary, making it a critical area for tiger conservation.
Let the roars get louder!
— Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) November 18, 2024
As India continues to touch new milestones in tiger conservation, we have notified Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla in Chhattisgarh as the 56th tiger reserve. Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve is spread over 2,829 sq km.
India continues to work… pic.twitter.com/5hAqBuUANh
Geographical Significance
- Nestled in the Chota Nagpur plateau and partly in the Baghelkhand plateau, this reserve offers an ideal environment for tigers and other wildlife.
- Its rich biodiversity and unique terrains, including dense forests, rivers, and streams, create a sanctuary that fosters ecological balance.
Ranking Among India’s Largest Tiger Reserves
With its sprawling landscape, the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve ranks as the third-largest tiger reserve in India, following:
- Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (Andhra Pradesh)
- Manas Tiger Reserve (Assam)
Unique Ecosystem of the Tiger Reserve
- The reserve is a biodiversity hotspot. Its varied ecosystems range from lush forests to open grasslands, supporting a wide range of species. This diversity contributes significantly to the ecological health of the region.
Biodiversity at Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla
The Zoological Survey of India has documented 753 species, including 365 invertebrates and 388 vertebrates. Notably, it houses:
- 230 species of birds
- 55 species of mammals, including threatened species
This richness highlights the reserve’s role in preserving India’s natural heritage.
Connectivity with Other Tiger Reserves
Strategically located, the reserve is contiguous with:
- Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh
- Connected to Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (West)
- Linked to Palamau Tiger Reserve (East)
This connectivity facilitates the creation of a landscape complex spanning nearly 4,500 sq. km, essential for tiger movement and genetic diversity.
Role in Project Tiger
- The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has played a pivotal role in recognizing and supporting this reserve. As part of Project Tiger, it receives technical and financial assistance to boost conservation efforts.
Chhattisgarh’s Tiger Reserves
- With the addition of Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla, Chhattisgarh now has four tiger reserves, further enhancing its role in wildlife conservation. These reserves work collectively to protect the region’s biodiversity.
Conclusion
The notification of the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve is a testament to India’s unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation. By expanding protected areas and enhancing connectivity, the country continues to lead the way in tiger preservation.
FAQs
The reserve spans 2,829.38 square kilometers.
Chhattisgarh now has four tiger reserves.
Its rich biodiversity, varied terrains, and strategic connectivity with other reserves make it stand out.
The Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve in Andhra Pradesh is the largest.
The NTCA provides financial and technical support under Project Tiger to aid conservation efforts.
