09 Dec 2023 Satpura Tiger Reserve (STR)
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “ Satpura Tiger Reserve (STR)”. This topic has relevance in the Environment section of the UPSC CSE exam.
GS 3: Environment
Why in the news?
In a significant archaeological discovery, the Satpura Tiger Reserve’s forest department has recently unearthed a rock painting in Narmadapuram, Madhya Pradesh, dating back 10,000 years.
Location:
- Situated in the Narmadapuram district of Madhya Pradesh, the Satpura Tiger Reserve (STR) occupies a prime position within the expansive Satpura ranges of the Central Indian Landscape.
- Geographically, it lies to the south of the Narmada River, creating a distinctive triangular watershed between the Narmada and Tapti Rivers.
- Integral to the Deccan bio-geographic zone, the reserve is also a vital component of the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve.
Extent and Connectivity:
- Extending over an impressive 10,000 sq. km, the Satpura Tiger Reserve stands as a critical segment of one of the world’s largest tiger habitats.
- Encompassing the forest areas of Betul, Harda, Khandwa, and Melghat forest divisions, it forms an extensive and interconnected ecosystem.
- Remarkably, the reserve boasts corridor connectivity with Pench National Park, further enhancing its ecological significance.
Human Evolution and Geological Significance:
- Beyond its ecological richness, the STR holds cultural and historical value with more than 50 rock shelters, providing a window into human evolution spanning from 1500 to 10,000 years ago.
- The reserve’s geological features include the Deccan trap series, Gondwanas, and Metamorphic rocks, adding to its scientific importance.
Flora:
- Characterized by diverse mixed forests, the STR is predominantly composed of Sal and Teak, contributing to its unique ecosystem.
- Noteworthy tree species within these mixed forests include jamun, baheda, palash, mahua, saja, bija, tendu, arjun, semal, salai, kusum, achar, and more.
- Furthermore, the reserve serves as the northern extremity of the Western Ghats, hosting 26 species from the Himalayan region and 42 species from the Nilgiri area.
Fauna:
- The Satpura Tiger Reserve boasts a rich tapestry of wildlife, including iconic species such as tigers, leopards, spotted deer, sambar, barking deer, chousingha, Indian gaur, blue bull, and jungle cats.
- In addition to charismatic megafauna, the reserve is home to a diverse array of co-predators, birds, reptiles, and fish, contributing to its status as a biodiversity hotspot.
| Key Facts | Narmada River | Tapi River |
| Geographical Location | Serves as a boundary between North and South India. | Situated in central India. |
| Origin | Amarkantak peak of Maikal mountain, 1,312 km west of source. | Betul district of Madhya Pradesh. |
| Flow Direction | Flows westward, empties into the Gulf of Khambhat. | Flows westward, empties into the Gulf of Khambhat. |
| Geographical Features | West-flowing river in a rift valley between Vindhya and Satpura Ranges. | West-flowing river through the central Indian peninsula. |
| Drainage Area | Drains Madhya Pradesh, parts of Maharashtra, and Gujarat. | Drains Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. |
| Tributaries (Right) | Hiran, Tendori, Barna, Kolar, Man, Uri, Hatni, Orsang. | Purna, Girna, Panzara, Waghur. |
| Tributaries (Left) | Burner, Banjar, Sher, Shakkar, Dudhi, Tawa, Ganjal, Chhota Tawa, Kundi, Goi, Karjan. | Tawa, Bori, Aner. |
| Major Dams | Omkareshwar and Maheshwar dams. | Ukai Dam in Gujarat, Ghatghar Dam in Maharashtra. |
Download Yojna daily current affairs eng med 9th Dec 2023
Q.1 With reference to the Satpura Tiger Reserve (STR), consider the following statements:
- STR is situated in the Narmadapuram district of Madhya Pradesh.
- Geographically, it lies to the south of the Tapti River.
- The reserve boasts corridor connectivity with Pench National Park.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 3 only
ANSWER: D
Q.2 Examine the critical role of wildlife corridors in mitigating human-animal conflicts, with a specific focus on their importance in ecological conservation. Assess the challenges and benefits associated with establishing and maintaining these corridors
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