Why in news?
In a boost for wildlife enthusiasts and tourists, a new tiger has been spotted in the renowned Sahyadri Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra.
About Sahyadri Tiger Reserve:
- Location: It is located in theSahyadri Rangesof theWestern Ghats in Maharashtra.
- It is thenorthernmost tiger habitat in western ghats,with an area of almost 741.22 sq. km.
- The reserve spreads overKoyna Wildlife Sanctuary, forming the northern portion, andChandoli National Park, forming the southern part of the reserve. STR was created by merging the areas of these two forests in 2007.
- Thecentral portionof Sahyadri Tiger Reserve isoccupied by the "Shivsagar" reservoir oftheKoyana Riverand the "Vasant Sagar" reservoir of the Warana River.
- History:
- The history of the area dates back to theMaratha Empire, andmany forts built or captured bythe firstMaratha Emperor ShivajiBhonsle can be found here.
- Thelegendary templefrom whichShivaji received the Bhavani Sword from divine providenceis also said to be among the many ruins in this region.
- Habitat:
- The total area of STR is undulating, with steep escarpments along the western boundary.
- The most distinct feature is the presence ofnumerous barren rockyandlateritic plateaus, locally called “Sadas”,with less perennial vegetation andoverhanging cliffson the edges, along withnumerous fallen boulderswith dense thorny bushes.
- STR is the only place whereclimax and near-climax vegetation are plentifuland prospects of adverse anthropogenic influence in the future are minimal.