Rise in temperature leads to forest fire in Andhra’s Nallamala forest

Source: The post is based on the article “Rise in temperature leads to forest fire in Andhra’s Nallamala forest” published in The New Indian Express on 6th March 2023.

What is the News?

Nallamala forest is witnessing frequent forest fires due to rising temperatures, where the day temperature is almost touching 40 degrees Celsius. According to the available data, 10-15 man-made fires are recorded on average at various parts in each division in a day during every summer season.

About Nallamala forest

It is one of the largest stretches of undisturbed forest in South India, apart from the Western Ghats.

Location: It is spread over five districts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It is located in Nallamala Hills, which is a part of the Eastern Ghats.

Climate: It has a warm to hot climate throughout the year.

Vegetation: Tropical dry deciduous.

Significance:

-It harbors endemic species like Andrographis nallamalayana and Eriolaena lushingtonii.

-The forest has a significant tiger population. A part of the forest belongs to the Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, the largest tiger reserve in the country.