About Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR):
- It is located in the Sahyadri Ranges of the Western Ghats in Maharashtra.
- It is spread over two protected areas of Koyana Sanctuary (KWLS) and Chandoli National Park (CNP).
- The central portion of STR is occupied by the “Shivsagar” reservoir of the Koyana River and the “Vasant Sagar” reservoir of the Warana River.
- Vegetation:
- The forest cover here is that of moist evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist, and dry deciduous
- It is the only place where climax and near-climax vegetation are plentiful and prospects of adverse anthropogenic influence in the future are minimal.
- Flora:
- Dense tree cover includes species such as teak, bamboo, Indian laurel, and jamun.
- Medicinal plants like Asparagus racemosus and Aegle marmelos grow abundantly.
- Unique Western Ghats endemics, including rare orchids and shrubs, flourish in the reserve’s humid microclimates.
- Fauna:
- It is home to the endangered species of top carnivores such as Tiger, Wild dog, and Leopard.
- The herbivores include Gaur, Sambar, Four Horned Antelope, Mouse Deer, and Giant Squirrel.
- The habitat also supports hornbills, and many other endemic birds.
