Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Environment
Why in News?
Sterilisation of stray dogs undertaken in areas around Tadoba tiger reserve, recently.
Location - Chandrapur district, Maharashtra.
Area- ~1,727 km² (core + buffer zones).
It is one of Maharashtra’s oldest and largest tiger reserves, known for its high density of wild tigers.
Establishment & Composition- While the Tadoba National Park was established in 1955, it was later merged with the Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary (created in 1986) to form the unified Tiger Reserve in 1995.
Etymology
Tadoba - Derived from the tribal deity "Taru" or "Tadoba," a village chief who, according to local Gond legend, was killed in a battle with a tiger.
A shrine dedicated to him exists on the banks of Tadoba Lake.
Andhari - Named after the Andhari River, which meanders through the forest.
Flora -Dry deciduous forests dominated by teak, bamboo, and bamboo associates.
Fauna -
Big cats- Bengal tiger, leopard.
Herbivores- Indian bison (gaur), chital, sambar, wild boar
Birds- Malabar pied hornbill, Crested Serpent Eagle, etc.
Reptiles- Indian cobra, monitor lizard
Rivers & Water Bodies -Tadoba and Andhari rivers, several small streams aiding wildlife survival.
Wildlife Corridors -The reserve maintains vital corridor linkages with other major habitats in Maharashtra, specifically the Nagzira-Navegaon and Pench Tiger Reserves.
