News: Kawal Tiger Reserve in Telangana is leveraging technology to address water scarcity for wildlife, particularly during the harsh summer months.
About Kawal Tiger Reserve
- Kawal Tiger Reserve is situated in Telangana along the Godavari River, forming part of the Deccan Peninsula-Central Highlands.
- It was declared Tiger Reserve in 2012.
- It is linked to Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra) and Indravati Tiger Reserve (Chhattisgarh), making it vital for tiger movement.
- Vegetation: It lies within the Sahyadri Mountain Ranges and features diverse landscapes, including dense forests, grasslands, rivers, and streams.
- The reserve falls under the Deccan Plateau Zone (Zone VI) and consists of Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests.
- Flora:Teak and Bamboo dominate the vegetation, along with species like Anogeissus latifolia, Terminalia arjuna, and Butea monosperma.
- Fauna: The region supports a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, wild dogs, sambar deer, nilgai, blackbuck, and jungle cats.
- The reserve is also home to 260 bird species, 34 reptile species, and 75 mammal species.
- Threats:
- Sand mining, poaching, illegal logging of teak and bamboo, migratory cattle, and vehicular disturbance threaten the habitat.
- Forest fires frequently occur, damaging the ecosystem.
- Water scarcity due to rapid drainage of rainfall into the Godavari River.
- Invasive weeds like Lantana camara and Cassia tora degrade the habitat.
- Human settlements within the core area impact wildlife movement and need relocation.
