Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR)

May 15, 2023

Report of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR) water hole census has been released recently, and a total of 374 animals from 18 wild species of animals and birds were recorded.

About Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR):

  • Location: It is located in the Sahyadri Ranges of Western Ghats in Maharashtra.
  • It combines the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary and the Chandoli National Park in the southern part of Maharashtra.
  • The region of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve includes the area around the Koyna Dam, Warna River and many other small rivers and streams originating from the Western Ghats and flowing to the east.
  • Vegetation: Evergreen, semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests.
  • The habitat of Sahyadri is composed of woodlands, grasslands and plateau, the latter locally referred to as “Sadaa”, which are lateritic in nature with considerable habitat value.
  • Flora: Fodder species such as karvi, bamboo, kumbal are few, but fruit species such as Zizyphus rugosa, Ficus racemosa, Sideroxylon tomentasa, Ficus arnottiana, Acacia concinna, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellerica, Vangueria spinosa, Emblica officinalis, Carissa conjestaare abundant.
  • Fauna:
    • The Tiger Reserve is home to the endangered species of top carnivores such as the Tiger, Wild dog, and Leopard.
    • The herbivores include Gaur, Sambar, Four Horned Antelope, Mouse Deer and Giant Squirrel.
    • The Atlas Moth, Moon Moth and many endangered Butterflies have been documented in the area, and the Indian long-billed Vulture has been noticed on the crest line.