About Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR):
- It is located in the Chandrapur district in Maharashtra.
- It is the largest and oldest tiger reserve in Maharashtra.
- Established in 1955, the reserve consists of Tadoba National Park and Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary.
- The word ‘Tadoba’ is derived from the name of the God “Tadoba” or “Taru,” which is praised by local tribal people of this region, and “Andhari” is derived from the name of the Andhari River that flows in this area.
- It has corridor linkages with Nagzira-Navegaon and Pench Tiger Reserves within the State.
- Drainage: There are two lakes and one waterway in the reserve: Tadoba Lake, Kolsa Lake, and the Tadoba River.
- Vegetation: The reserve falls in the central plateau province of the Deccan peninsula, with tropical dry deciduous forests and a typical central Indian faunal assemblage.
- Flora:
- The major tree species are: Teak, Ain, Bamboo, Bija, Dhaoda, Haldu, Salai, Semal and Tendu.
- Along the moist areas, species like Mango, Jamun and Arjun are found. Bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus) is spread over 40% of the habitat.
- Fauna:
- Apart from tigers, the reserve is home to Indian leopards, sloth bears, Indian gaur (bison), wild dogs (dholes), striped hyenas, marsh crocodiles, sambar deer, chital (spotted deer), barking deer, and four-horned antelopes (chousingha).
- It is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 250 species of birds, including crested serpent eagles, grey-headed fish eagles, paradise flycatchers, and hornbills.
