Tiger Reserves in India

Indrawati Tiger Reserve

Introduction

Conservation

Management

Census

Archeology

Forests

» Introduction

Indravati Tiger Reserve is situated in Dantewad (formerly Bastar) district of Madhya Pradesh. The Tiger Reserve is named after the Indravati river which flows from East to West and forms Northern boundary with Maharashtra.

The Reserve forests are the catchment area of the perennial river Indravati. Numerous seasonal streams criss-cross the area. The terrain is undulating with most of the area covered with small hills - Kutroo to Kandlapatru and Matti Murka.

There are around a score of excellent grasslands. Wild buffalo, Chital, Barking deer, Neelgai, gaur are seen grazing in these areas.

Indravati forms an important link with the conservation areas in the vast forest belt extending into Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. It is large and the best potential habitat for the Wild Buffalo.


» Conservation History

Madhya Pradesh Government established Indravati (formerly Kutru N.P.) National Park in 1981. In 1983, the Indravati National Park (1258.372 sq. km.) along with buffer zone of 1540.714 sq. km. was included in the Project Tiger Network. The total area of the Tiger Reserve is 2799.086 sq. km.


» Census

CENSUS
Animal	1993	1994	1995	1996	1997	1998
Tiger	14	14	15	20	22	23
Panther	21	21	23	35	30	38
Wild Buffalo	125	214	138	160	165	165
Gaur	107	172	178	180	162	183
Spotted Deer	1498	1875	2233	2535	2535	2545
Sambhar	215	298	321	325	325	335
Blue Bull	488	689	715	705	705	710
Fourhorned Antelopes	318	304	290	292	292	308
Wild Boar	281	327	345	346	346	367
Sloth Bear	22	24	25	28	28	30

» Archeology

There is old Shiva temple (in ruins) near village Pasewada inside the Tiger Reserve.


» Forest Types

Southern Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest with Teak ,Southern Moist Mixed Deciduous Dorest without Teak ,Southern Dry Mixed Deciduous Forest .

Major Flora

Main Species : Teak, Dhaora, Lendia, Saja, Salai, Moyan, Mahua, Dhoban, Siras, Tendu, Bija, Achar, Karra, Kullu, Shisham, Semal, Haldu, Arjun, Bel, Jamun, Rohan, Bahera, Mundi, Kasai etc.

Major Fauna

Main Species : Tiger, Leopard, Striped Hyena, Wild Dog, Wolf, Sloth Bear, Flying Squirrel, Indian Fox, Spotted Deer, Sambhar, Barking Deer, Blue Bull, Wild Pig, Wild Buffalo and Gaur . Reptiles : Fresh Water Crocodile, Common Monitor Lizard, Indian Chameleon , Common Krait, Indian Rock Python, Cobra and Russell's Viper.

Endangered Species : Tiger, Wild Buffalo


» Managements

Practices, Achievements and Shortfalls

Some efforts have been made to create water sources in various parts of the Tiger Reserve. The water retention capacity of the soil is very poor, so the tanks, check-dams, stop-dams do not serve the purpose as these water bodies usually get dry by the end of March. So many hand pumps and water holes have been created. This has given excellent results to serve as artificial water holes during the summer season when the water scarcity is acute. There are 19 small tanks, two stop-dams and six hand pumps with saucer in the Tiger Reserve Area. In view of the naxalite activities, protection and habitat improvement works are hampered.




Indrawati Tiger Reserve Reservation Form

* Compulsory Fields * Name: Address: * Country: * Tel No. : (with city & country code) * E-mail: Details of Journey: Duration of Travel in India (Approx.): * Intended Month & Year of Visit: No. of People Travelling: 00 01 02 03 04 05 > 05 Adult      00 01 02 03 04 05 > 05 Children * Preferences / Details of Services Required: