AMRABAD TIGER RESERVE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: After nearly 11 years, the state government has given the final approval for relocating four villages from the core area of Amrabad Tiger Reserve to an external area, advancing the long-awaited project.

Amrabad Tiger Reserve

• About: It is a part of the Nallamala Forest track, boasts a wealth of biological diversity, including several endemic species of flora and fauna.
• Largest Tiger Population: This forest tract is home to the largest number of tigers in Telangana.
• Hilly Terrain and Catchment: The reserve's hilly terrain, with deep valleys and gorges, forms the catchment area for the Krishna River.
• Large Tiger Reserve: Amrabad Tiger Reserve is one of the largest tiger reserves in India, covering approximately 2611.4 sq km in Nagarkurnool and Nalgonda districts of Telangana. It is the second-largest in core area and the sixth-largest in total area among India's 51 tiger reserves.
• Sanctuary to Reserve: Initially notified as a sanctuary in 1983, it was re-designated as Amrabad Tiger Reserve after the bifurcation of Telugu States in 2014.
• Forest Divisions: The reserve spans three forest divisions: Amarabad and Achampet in Nagarkurnool district, and Nagarjunsagar division in Nalgonda district.
• Major Reservoirs: The reserve’s rivers and streams feed major reservoirs such as the Srishailam Dam and Nagarjunsagar Dam.