UDANTI SITANADI TIGER RESERVE (USTR)

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Picture Courtesy: https://udantisitanaditigerreserve.in/

 

Context: Three deadly attacks by encroachers on forest employees occurred in the past year at Chhattisgarh's Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve.

 Details

• Over the past 15 years, 15% of the forest area in the Tourenga forest range has been cleared due to encroachment. Recent comparative satellite imagery from 2006 to 2021 shows a significant 20% reduction in forest cover within the reserve.
• Despite the challenges, the Forest Department has managed to clear 650 hectares of encroached land. Efforts have been ongoing since 2005 to address illegal encroachments, with investigations focusing on areas of reduced forest cover and verifying the legitimacy of land claims.

 Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve

• The Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve is located in Chhattisgarh and was officially established as a tiger reserve in the year 2008-09. It covers a vast area, including both core and auxiliary zones.
• The Ministry of Forest and Environment of the Government of India approved the formation of this tiger reserve in August 2006. The Chhattisgarh government formally established the reserve in February 2009.
• The reserve is named after the Udanti Sanctuary and the rivers Udanti and Sitanadi, which flow through the Sitanadi Sanctuary.
• Forest Types:
  • Sal Forests: The reserve predominantly features Sal forests, which are characterized by the presence of Sal trees (Shorea robusta).
  • Mixed Forests: There are also areas of mixed forest, which include a variety of tree species contributing to rich biodiversity.
  • Bamboo Forests: Some hilly regions of the reserve are covered with bamboo forests.
• The Reserve is known for its rich biodiversity. It supports a variety of flora and fauna, including numerous species of plants and animals. The variety of forest types and tree species contribute to a diverse ecosystem that supports a range of wildlife.
• The reserve is rich in medicinal plants, which are important for both local traditional medicine and potential pharmaceutical use.
• Vegetation:
  • Teak Forests: Natural forests of teak are found in certain areas of the reserve.
  • Tree Species: The reserve contains various tree species, including Bija, Sheesham, Tinsa, Saj, Khamhar, Haldu, Mudi, Kullu, Karra, Senha, Amaltas, and others.

Conclusion

• The Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve is a vital conservation area in Chhattisgarh, designed to protect tigers and preserve biodiversity. The diverse forest types and rich variety of plant species contribute to the ecological significance of the reserve.

 Source:

The Times of India

Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Which of the following conservation strategies would be most effective in protecting the tiger population in the Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve? 1. Strengthening anti-poaching measures 2. Establishing wildlife corridors to connect fragmented habitats 3. Promoting eco-tourism in a sustainable manner 4. Implementing community-based conservation programs Select the correct answer using the codes given below: A) 1, 2 and 3 only B) 2, 3 and 4 only C) 1, 3 and 4 only D) 1, 2, 3 and 4  Answer:  D