About Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary:
- It is located in the district of Yavatmal, Maharashtra.
- The sanctuary derives its name from the nearby ‘Goddess Tipai’ shrine located in the Tipeshwar village.
- Mainly, the sanctuary sprawls amongst the Patanbori and Parwa Ranges of the Pandarkawad Forest Division.
- Four rivers—Purna, Krishna, Bhima, and Tapti—flow gracefully through the sanctuary, earning it the poetic title “Green Oasis of Eastern Maharashtra.”
- The land here is rich with basaltic soil, a remnant of ancient volcanic activity.
- The sanctuary is home to several villages whose inhabitants rely on the forest for their daily livelihoods.
- Flora:
- The forests of Tipeshwar primarily consist of Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests, with Teak (Tectona grandis) dominating the landscape, covering nearly 60% of the area.
- Adding to the richness of the forest, red sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus) thrives here, a highly prized timber species known for its medicinal and commercial value.
- Other prominent trees that form a dense green canopy include Achar (Helicteres isora), Mahua (Madhuca longifolia), Lendia (Lagerstroemia parviflora), and Bhirra (Chloroxylon swietenia).
- Fauna:
- The place shelters a wide array of animals that include Hyena, Chital, Black buck, Sambar, Jackal, Wild boar, Peacock, Monkey, Blue bull, Wild cat, Bear, and many more.
- The sanctuary is also home to several species of birds, including the peafowl, grey junglefowl, Indian roller, and several species of raptors.
