Biodiversity of the Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve

According to the recently published ‘EnviStats India-2024’ report, the Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR) has been recognized as the top tiger reserve in India, boasting an estimated population of 360 leopards. This ranking highlights the reserve’s ecological significance and its vital role in wildlife conservation efforts.

Location and Geography

The Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve is situated in the Nallamala Hills of the Eastern Ghats, encompassing parts of five districts in Andhra Pradesh: Prakasam, Kurnool, Guntur, and Mahbubnagar. Covering an approximate area of 3,568 square kilometers, the reserve features a diverse landscape characterized by rugged hills, deep valleys, and dense forests.

The reserve is a component of the Srisailam-Nagarjunasagar-Kurnool forest belt, through which the Krishna River flows, contributing to a unique ecosystem that supports a variety of flora and fauna.

Ecological Features

Flora: The vegetation primarily consists of tropical and dry deciduous forests, dominated by species such as teak, terminalia, and bamboo. The reserve is also rich in medicinal plants and herbs, enhancing its ecological value.

Fauna: The reserve is notable for its significant population of Bengal tigers and is home to a range of other mammals, including:

Indian leopard
Sloth bear
Dhole (Indian wild dog)
Indian pangolin
Chital (spotted deer)
Sambar deer
Nilgai (blue bull)
Four-horned antelope
Indian giant squirrel

Avifauna: The area supports over 350 bird species, including the grey junglefowl, painted spurfowl, and the critically endangered white-rumped vulture.

Reptiles: Notable reptilian inhabitants include the Indian python, Mugger crocodile, Bengal monitor, and star tortoise.

Conservation Initiatives

Established as a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger in 1983, the Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve is also part of the Srisailam-Nagarjunasagar-Kurnool Biosphere Reserve. Ongoing conservation efforts aim to preserve the habitat of the Bengal tiger and promote biodiversity within the region.

Historical Perspective

The reserve was initially established in 1978, originating from the larger Nallamala forest region, which holds considerable historical and cultural significance. Archaeological findings in the area, dating back to the Mauryan period, underscore its ancient human habitation and historical importance, particularly highlighted by the discovery of Buddhist relics and inscriptions.

Significance of the Reserve

The Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve is of paramount importance due to several factors:

a. Biodiversity: It harbors a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including numerous endangered species, and supports a robust population of tigers and leopards.

b. Ecological Role: The forest acts as a vital watershed for the Krishna River, influencing agriculture and water resources in surrounding areas.

c. Conservation Efforts: The reserve is integral to India’s tiger conservation strategy, contributing significantly to the preservation and growth of the tiger population nationwide.

Leopard Population in India

According to estimates from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), India’s leopard population is approximated between 12,000 and 14,000 individuals, although these figures may fluctuate based on survey methodologies.

State-wise Distribution of Leopards

The leopard population is distributed across various Indian states, with notable concentrations including:

Madhya Pradesh: 3,421

Karnataka: 1,700

Maharashtra: 1,300

Uttarakhand: 1,200

Rajasthan: 650

Himachal Pradesh: 500

Gujarat: 800

Tamil Nadu: 600

Others: The remainder is spread across states such as Odisha, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh.

Government Initiatives

To bolster leopard conservation, the Indian government launched the “Leopard Action Plan” in 2018, aiming to protect leopards and their habitats, mitigate human-leopard conflicts, and enhance awareness among local communities regarding leopard conservation.

Tiger Reserves in India

Currently, India boasts 55 designated tiger reserves, collectively covering an area of approximately 75,000 square kilometers. These reserves are crucial for the conservation of the Bengal tiger, which has faced numerous threats to its survival.

Historical Background

The tiger reserve program was initiated in 1973 with the launch of Project Tiger, aimed at conserving the dwindling tiger population through the establishment of protected areas.